LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, 



Slielf.....L3S 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



m 



23 18!& 



THE 



HOME FLORIST 



A TREATISE OX THE 



CULTIVATION, MANAGEMENT AND ADAPTABILITY 



FLOWERING AND ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, 



UESIGNED FOR THE USE OK 

AMATEUR FLORISTS. 

/ 



J^ 

^ 1 ?/ 



By ELIA« a. long, 

Af'i'HOR OK "Ornamental Gardeninc, for Americans." 



REVISED AND ENLARGED. 



\PR 23 \ f 



SPRINGFIELD, OHIO, 

CHAS. A. REESER, Seedsman and Florist, 

PUBLISHER. 
1885. 



V 



ENTERED ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 1885, 

By C. a. REESER, 

in the office of the librarian of congress, at washington. 



ao 



♦ — 



••' «Jm union and ADVEBTI8ER C0"8 PRINT, (W 

/^ y> "^ . "V^ ROCHESTER, N. Y 

c^ V o ^ ^ ' 



6 



V 



IN DKX. 



PAGE. 

Abelia 124 

Abulilon 125 

Aca'.ypha 126 

Achania 127 

Achillea 127 

Achimenes.. 127 

Achyranthus 127 

Acroclinium 128 

Adam's Needle 308 

j.gapanthus 128 

Agave 129 

Ageratum 129 

Agrostemtna 130 

Airing House Plants 47 

Akebia 130 

Allamanda 131 

Aloysia 131 

Alternanthera 132 

Althea 132 

Alyssum 133 

Amaranthus^ 133 

Amaryllis 134 

Amateur's Conservatory 55 

American Pampas 192 

Ammobium 134 

Amomum 135 

Amorphophallus 13S 

Ampelopsis 135 

Anemone 136 

Animated Oats 137 

Anthericum 137 

Antirrhinum 137 

Annuals described 122 

Aphis or Green Fly 47 

Aquilegia 139 

Ardisia 139 

Aristolochia 139 

Armeria 139 

Artillery Plant 281 

Asclepias 139 

Aspidistra 140 

Astiibe 142 

Aster 140 

Aucuba 228 

Azalea 142 

Balm 144 

Balsam 142 

Banana 259 

Begonia 144 

" Showy Leaf 149 

" Tuberous rooted 150 

Beginners, advice to 7 

Beliis perennis 187 

Biennials, what are 123 

Bignonia 150 

Bonapartia 150 

Bougainvillea 150 

Boussingaultia 151 

Bouvardia 151 

Browallia 153 

Brugmansia 153 

Bryophyllum 154 

Bulbs, autumn planting of 32 

" culture in glasses, pots, &c. 52 

Buttercup 286 

Cacalia 154 

Cactus 155 

Cactus Dahlia 186 

Caladium 155 

Galandrinia 155 

Calceolaria is6 



PAGE. 

Calendula 157 

California Poppy 193 

Calla 157 

Calla, Spotted 288 

Calliopsis 158 

Calycanthus 159 

Camellia 159 

Campanula 160 

Campsidium 161 

Campvlobotrys 161 

Canary Bird FIoa er 300 

Candytuft 161 

Canna 161 

Cape Marigold 157 

Cape Jasmine 24s 

Cardinal Flower 253 

Carnation 162 

Carpet Bag Flower 156 

Castor Oil Bean 288 

Celosia 165 

Centaurea 165 

Centradenia 166 

Century Plant 129 

Cereus 166 

Cestrum 167 

Cherianthus 307 

Chorozema 167 

Chrysanthemum 168 

Cigar Plant 182 

Cineraria 171 

Cissus Discolor 171 

Citrus Z70 

Clarkia 171 

Clematis 172 

Clerodendron 173 

Cocoloba 174 

Cockscomb ,. 165 

Coix Lachry ma 229 

Coleus 174 

Columbine 139 

Cold Frames 28 

Cold Pits for Winter 34 

Convolvulus 177 

Conservatory, Amateurs 56 

Heating 57 

PI ans with cost 57 

Small 57, 59 

Summer Management 63 

Winter Management 6i 

Convallaria 251 

Comparative Value of Plants 124 

Coral Tree 193 

Coreopsis 158 

Crape Myrtle 245 

Crocus 178 

Crotons 179 

Crown Imperial 182 

Crowfoot 2S6 

Cuphea 182 

Cups and Saucers 283 

Cuttings, Propagation from 35 

Cyclamen.' 182 

Cyperus... 183 

Cypress Vine 239 

Cytisus 184 

Daffodil 262 

Dahlia 185 

Daisy 187 

Daphne 188 

Deutzia 189 

Delphinium 188 



INDEX. 



I'AGE. 

Devil-in-a-busli 264 

Dew Plant 256 

Dianthus ; 189 

Dicentra 190 

Dieffenbathia 190 

Digitalis. 190 

Dracena 191 

Drives 19 

Dutchman's Pipe 139 

Dwarf Morning Glory 177 

Easter Lily 134 

Echevena 191 

Eranthemum 192 

Epiphyllum 155 

Erianthus 192 

Erysimum 193 

Erythrina »93 

Escholtzia 193 

Ethiopian Lily 157 

Eucharis 193 

Eulalie 193 

Euonymus .... 194 

Eupatorium 195 

Everlasting Flowers 195, 230 

Evening Glory 231.1 

Fabiana 196 

Farfugium ig6 

F"erns 196 

Feather Grass 229 

Fertilizers for pot plants 49 

Ferneries 51 

Feverfew 197 

Ficus 198 

Fittonia 229 

Flora's Paint Brush 154 

Floriculture, open air 21 

Floriculture, work of each week. ... 310 

Flower Beds, locating 11 

Beds for constant cutting. . 24 

Designs for 20 

Manuring 26 

Mixed boders 24 

Planting in masses 21 

Ribbon beds 23 

The soil 25 

Flower de Luce ... . 239 

Flowering Maple 125 

Forget->le-Not 260 

Forsythia J98 

Fountain Plant 134 

Four f)'Clock 258 

Fo.t Glove 190 

Fritillaria ; 182 

Frozen Plants, how to treat 51 

Fuchsias 199 

Double varieties 201 

Single varieties 200 

Winter-blooming 203 

Funkia 203 

Galanthus 203 

Gardenia 242, 245 

Gazania 204 

Geraniums 205 

Double 211 

Golden Bronze 223 

Golden Tricolor 218 

Ivy-leaved 216 

Lady Washington 274 

Scented and ( -ut-leaved 222 

Silver-leaved 220 

Single or Horseshoe 206 



I'AGE. 

Gesneria 225 

Gillyflower 295 

Gladiolus 225 

Gloxinias 227 

Glycine 308 

Gnaphalium 227 

Godetia 227 

Golden Bell 198 

Gold Dust Shrub 228 

Golden Feather 198 

Goldfussia 228 

Gomphrena 228 

Grading and Leveling 15 

Grasses for Drying 228 

Gymnostachyum 229 

Gynerium .. 229 

Gy psophila 230 

Habrothamnus 230 

Hanging Baskets 38 

Plants for 40 

Heart's Ease 272 

Htdera 240 

Helianthus 230 

Helichrysum 230 

Heliotrope 231 

Helipterum 232 

Hesperis 232 

Heterocentron 232 

Hibiscus 232 

Hotbeds 28 

House, Plant culture about the 42 

Hollyhock 234 

Honeysuckle 234 

Hoya 235 

Hyacinth 235 

Hydrangea 236 

Ice Plant 256 

Impatiens 237 

India Rubber Tree 198 

Insects 47i 63 

Angle Worms 49 

Aphis or Green Fly 47, 63 

Injurious to Roses .. 117 

Mealy Bug 47, 64 

Red Spider 47, 64 

Scale 49, 64 

Introduction 6 

Ipomcea 238 

Iris 239 

Isolepsis 240 

Ivy 240 

Ivy, German or Parlor 203 

Ivy, Kenihvorlh 252 

Ixora. . 242 

Japonica 150 

Japanese Chrysanthemum 169 

Japanese Maize 242 

Jasmine 242 

Jerusalem Cherry 294 

Jessamine 242 

Job's Tears 22g 

Jonquil 262 

Joseph's Coat 134 

Justicia 245 

KIcinia 245 

Lady's Ear Drop 199 

Lady in the Green 264 

Lady's Slipper 142 

Lagerstrttmia 245 

Landscape Gardening, Notes of ... 9 
Breadth 10 



INDEX. 



Ill 



PAGE. 

Landscape Gardening, Flower 

Beds, designs for 20 

Flower Beds, locating 11 

Grading and Leveling 15 

Planning the Work 13 

The Lawn 17 

The House 10 

Things to be avoided 12 

Tree Plantir>g 17 

Trees an d Shrubs 1 1 

Wallts 13 

Walks and Drives 19 

What is desirable in a place. . 9 

Lantana 245 

Larkspur 188 

Lathyrus 297 

Laurestinus 247 

Lavendula 247 

Lawn, The 17 

Seeding down 18 

Sodding 19 

Layering, Propagation by 36 

Lemon 270 

Lemon Verbena 131 

Leptosiphon 247 

Libonia 248 

Liting Plants 32, 33 

Lily 248 

Lily of the Amazon 193 

Lily, Calla or Ethiopica 157 

Lily of the Valley 251 

Lily, Water 264 

Lilium 248 

Linaria 252 

Linum 252 

Lobelia 252 

Lonicera 234 

Lopezia 253 

Lophospermum 253 

Lotus 253 

Love Lies Bleeding 190 

Lupine 254 

Lupinus 254 

Lychnis 254 

Lycopodium 292 

Lysimachia 255 

Lythrum 255 

Madeira Vine 151 

Maherni s 255 

Maize 242 

Manettia 255 

Manuring Flower Beds 26 

Maranta 25s 

Mangold 256 

Maurandia 256 

Melissa 144 

Mesembryanthemum 256 

Meyenia 257 

Mignonette 257 

Mildew 64 

" On Roses 118 

Mimosa 258 

Mimulus , 258 

Mirabilis 258 

Mock Orange 279 

Moccasin Flower 156 

Moisture, Maintaining 47 

Moneywort 255 

Monkey Flower 258 

Montbretia 259 

Moon Flower 239 



Morning Glory 177 

Mourning Bnde 201 

Musa 259 

Musk Plant 258 

Myosotis 260 

Myrsiphyllum 260 

Myrtle 262 

Myrtus 262 

Narcissus 262 

Nasturtium . . 299 

Nemophila 263 

Nierembergia 263 

Nerium 265 

Nigella 264 

Night Blooming Cereus 166 

Nymphaea 264 

Olea. 265 

Oleander 265 

Olive 265 

Orange 270 

Orchids 266 

Othonna 270 

Oxalis 271 

Pseonia 271 

Palms. . . 271 

Pampas Grass 229 

Pampas, American 192 

Panicum 272 

Pansy 272 

Papaver 284 

Passion Flower 274 

Passiflora 274 

Pea Flowering 297 

Pelargonium 205, 274 

Pentstemon 276 

Peperomia 276 

Perisirophe 276 

Perennials, What are 123 

Petunia 276 

Philadelphus 279 

Phlox 279 

Pilea 281 

Pilogyne 281 

Pinks 281 

Pittosporum 282 

Planting Roses, a new method of. . 120 

Plants, House, managing, etc 42 

Description of 40, 122 

Do Plants poison the air of 

rooms 55 

Frozen, How to Treat 51 

Keeping clean 49 

Planning Gardens 13 

Plantain Lily 203 

Plumbago 282 

Poinsettia 282 

Polemonium 283 

Polyanthus 283 

Polyanthus Narcissus 262 

Polygonum 283 

Pomegranate 283 

Pond Lily 264 

Poppy 284 

Poppy, Californian 193 

Portulaca 284 

Potentilla 285 

Primula 283 

Primula 285 

Prince's Feather 134 

Propagation 35, 63 

Protection for House Plants 46 



IV 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

Protection for Roses 119 

Pruning House Plants 49 

Pruninff Roses 117 

Pyrethrum 197 

Ragged Robin 254 

Ranunculus 286 

Reineckia 287 

Removal of Matured Flowers 51 

Reseda 257 

Rhodanthe 287 

Rhododendron 287 

Rhyncospermum ..... 288 

Richardia 288 

Ricinus 288 

Rivinia 289 

Rondelelia 289 

Rose Garden, the 116 

For Pot-culiure and Winter- 
blooming 121 

Insects Injurious to 117 

Mildew and Rust on ti8 

New method of Planting 120 

Protection during Winter 119 

Pruning 117 

Rose of Sharon 132 

Roses, Cultivation and managem'nt 116 

Roses, Pot Fertilizer for 50 

Roses ." 65 

Bourbon 85, 87 

Bengal or China 85, 90 

Climbing 68, 79 

Hardy 67 

Hybrid Perpetual 67, 68 

Hybrid Tea 86, no 

June or Summer 68, 82 

Moss f8, 80 

Noisette 86, 107 

Polyantha 87, 114 

Prairie 70 

Tea-scented 85, 92 

Tender— Monthly 84 

Rosemarinus 289 

Rosemary 289 

Ruellia 289 

Russelia 289 

Rust on Roses 118 

Salvia 290 

Salpiglossis 289 

Sanchezia 291 

Saucer System of Propagation.. .. 38 

Saxifraga 291 

Scabiosa 291 

Schizophragma 237 

Sculteiaria 291 

Sea Pink 139 

Sedum 292 

Seed-beds 28 

Seeding down Lawns 18 

Seeds, Sowing 27 

Selaginella 292 

Stlettion of Plants 44 

Sempervivum .... 293 

Scnecio 293 

Sensiiive Plant... 258 

Slips, Propagation from 35 

Smilax 260 

Snapdragon 137 

Snowdrop 203 

Solding 19 

Soil The; I'reparation and Treatm't 25 
Trenching 26 



PAGE. 

Solanum 293 

Sowing Seeds 27, 312 

Spirea 294 

Spirea Japonica 142 

Stephanotis 294 

Stevia.. 294 

Streptosolen 297 

Stock 295 

Summer Culture 30 

Summer Watering 30 

Summer Management of Conserva- 
tory 63 

Sunflower 230 

Sweet Alyssum 133 

Sweet Pea 297 

Sweet-scented Shrub is9 

Sweet M'illiam 190 

Taberna;montana 298 

Tagetes 256 

Tecoma 298 

Temperature 44 

Thunbergia 298 

Thyme 299 

Tiger Flower 299 

Tigridia 299 

Torenia 299 

Tradescantia 299 

Transplanting 30 

Trees and Shrubs, locating n 

Planting 17 

Trellises, Plants for 40 

Trenching 26 

Tritoma 302 

Tropajolum 299 

Trumpet Creeper 150 

Tuberose 301 

Tulip 300 

Vallota 302 

Vases, Garden 38 

Plants foi 40 

Verbena 303 

Veronica 304 

Viburnum 305 

Viola Tricolor 272 

Violet 306 

Virginia Creeper 135 

Virginian Stock, 305 

Walks 19 

Wall Flower 307 

Wandering Jew 299 

Wardian Cases 51 

Watering, Summer 30 

House Plants 47 

Water Lily 264 

Wax Plant 235 

Weigela 307 

Window Boxes 43 

Window Plant Culture 42 

Wmter-blooming, Roses for 121 

Winter Culture of House Plants, . . 44 
Winter Flowering, Preparing 

plants for 31 

Winter Managm't of Conservatory 61 

Winter Plant Quarters, the 44 

Wistaria 308 

Woodbine 234 

Work arranged by weeks 310 

Xeranthemum 308 

Yucca 308 

Zebra Grass 194 

Zinnia 308 



Preface to the Revised Edition. 

When the Home Florist was written, ten years ago, I did not 
realize that it was destined to fill the useful place in the garden- 
ing literature of our country, which it has done by the kindness 
of a most forbearing public, towards its many and conspicuous 
shortcomings. The original work was written hastily in snatches 
of time between the pressing duties of a complicated business, 
and was always far from satisfactory to me, owing to its many 
faults, mostly due to hasty composition. In the present revision 
pains have been taken to make amends for past defects, while 
considerable new matter has also been added. The work now 
goes forth in the belief that it will more fully than it ever could 
in the past, meet the demand for information on the subject of 
flower growing about the home, and adapted to the wants of 
amateurs. 

Elias a. Lo>g. 

Buffalo, N. Y., July 19, 1884. 



INTRODUCTION. 



TTIE cultivation of plants for the sake of tlieir beautiful flow- 
-*■ ers, and other attractions, has from the earliest ages received at- 
tention wherever civilization has made some progress. Floriculture 
as an art, however, is so susceptible to influences of climate, soil, 
heat, cold and other conditions, that, notwithstanding it may claim 
anticjuity, anything like general jivogress m all lauds has been 
impeded by reason of this very fact. Whatever knowledge may 
have beea gained in the art, during one age or in one country, 
when apulied to another, is found to be practically useful only to 
the extent in which it finds a state of adaptability in the other. 
Hence, it may be said that in each nation the practice of Flori- 
culture is peculiar, and differing from that of every other nation. 

In our own country the cultivation of plants and flowers has 
only of late years received any great degree of attention. While 
from the first it was, of course, realized that the practice must be 
somewhat distinct from that of other countries, now after some 
years of practical schooling, we may claim to have adopted a 
system which is entitled to be considered in the fullest sense, as 
American. It has been only about twenty years since a general 
manifestation of interest in Floriculture, by the masses of people, 
has been apparent, but from a preceptible awakening, about Hiat 
time, there has been a continual and rapid increase, until now, 
when we find nearly everybody devoting more or less attention to 
the culture of flowers. 

Wliat is felt to be the greatest need of the day in the further 
promotion of Floriculture, is the more general dissemination of 
correct knowledge concerning the kinds of plants and fiowers 
most suitable for the American cultivator, and also regarding 
their culture, all brought down to such a simple matter as to ho 
adapted to the wants of inexperienced amateurs. It is with an 
appreciation of such a need that tlie author and publisher of the 
present work take pleasure in presenting it to the public, as a book 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



of instruction, relative to the proper means of managing many 
kinds of plants used for the adornment of American homes. It 
is designed to aid all classes of cultivatoi's, but especially those 
who aspire to the rearing of a choicer class of plants and flowers 
than are common in jierhaps the majority of homes where Flori- 
culture is now receiving attention ; aiming to carry those who 
adopt its teachings over obstacles which tend to cause failure and 
discouragement, and to promote an interest in every plant that 
is cultivated. 

A good indication of progress in amateur Floriculture is shown 
at the present time, in the fact that the people are learning that 
more than only seeds, or bulbs, or plants alone, are required for 
beautifying gardens and homes with flowers ; that in the best 
kept gardens judicious selections of some of each should be used 
for producing the finest results. No matter, scarcely, to how 
limited an extent the culture of flowers is engaged in, it can be 
better done, and becomes more interesting, by including in the stock 
cultivated, perennial greenhouse plants, hardy bulbs, tubers and 
seed-grown plants — than by limiting the stock to varieties of any 
one class. Even where the stock must be purchased from the 
florist and seedsmen, this rule will hold good, no matter how small 
is the amount to be invested. I have seen gai'dens where none 
but annuals and other seed-grown plants were employed, which 
were beautiful during the entire summer season, and I always 
advise persons who expend but little for floral decorations to de- 
pend largely on these for their flowers. But where richness of 
color, exquisite fragrance, and strong contrasts in foliage are 
sought, some green-house plants and bulbs are also required. 
Planting even a few scarlet Geraniums, Lantanas, Gladiolus, 
Heliotropes, Hyacinths and other hardy bulbs, monthly Roses 
and others along with the seed-grown kinds, will add to the grounds 
a brilliancy of coloring and afford an abundance of bloom daily 
from early in the spring until October, and with many, even in 
November, w^hich w^ould be impossible with seed-grown things 
alone. It is also a great feat to nicely stock a hanging basket, 
vase or window box without the use of green-house plants. 

New beginners sometimes have over-ambitious ideas in regard 
to selecting stock for their flrst attempts. It is a poor plan for 
such to invest largely in all kinds of stock found m the catalogues 
as a first step. Let them begin by selecting sorts that are known 



8 THE HOME FLORIST. 

to be easily grown, and then gain all the information possible 
relative to treatment, soil, time of sowing, etc., and be sure to 
devote to these their best attention the se;ison through. Thus it 
will be found that even a few choice plants, besides the product 
from half a dozen packets of flower seeds will give far more real 
enjoyment to the cultivator than a hundred things in a neglected 
condition, through ignorance of what they need. And let me 
warn even the most careful new beginners that they must expect 
to meet with some little difficulties and drawbacks, which, by 
unpropitious weather, or other causes, always will attend flcri- 
cultural operations. In these the young florist who has a love 
for the work and its fruits should find no cause for being discour- 
aged. The most skilful florist has always something to learn ; 
and no mistake will be made but you will be wiser for it, and the 
better prepared for future emergencies. Success, gained at the 
expense of slight failures and inconveniences, will be enjoyed the 
more for them afterwards. After each succeeding season's expe- 
rience you will see the safety of striking out more boldly in pur- 
chases and plans, and each year w^ill place you higher up that 
scale to perfection which every cultivator of flowers aspires to. 

Buffalo, N. Y., October, 1874. E. A. L. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



Notes on Landscape Gardening. 

As being somewhat distinct from laying out large grounds, 
parks, etc., the present chapter is devoted to that more limited 
branch of rural adornment about homes, in which the majority 
of people outside of the crowded parts of large cities are inter- 
ested, and the planning of which usually devolves upon tlie own- 
ers or occupants. That a marked degree of incongruity and dull 
ness exists in the ground improvements of the majority of Amer- 
ican homes cannot be denied, but this perhaps arises oftener from 
lack of useful information, ignorance of correct principles, and 
through not fully realizing the importance of thoroughly execut- 
ing work of this nature, than from anj^ real want of appreciation 
of what is tasteful and elegant in ornamental gardening in the 
minds of the people. 

What is Desirable in a Place. — To be most delightful, a 
place of residence should be surrounded with ground of sufficient 
area to devote some parts to a fine lawn, othei's to flower beds, 
shrubbery, trees, etc., in groups or singly, and then the necessary 
walks and drives, besides it may be arbors, fountains, a conserva- 
toiy, rockeries, fern gardens, lakelets, etc. The area need not be 
very extensive to allow of some or all of these and be rendered 
very attractive, provided tJie arrangement is in good taste, and 
all operations which contribute to the improvements are thor-i 
Qughly performed, and the afte? Q^ye ;8 what jt ghould be. 



lO THE HOME FLORIST. 



In all cases of improving grounds the house s-hould be considered 
as the chief feature with wliich we have to deal, and the chief 
point of vision in a place. When the house is already present, 
and the grounds have been improved in a measure, perhaps all 
that may be desirable will be to introduce some new improve- 
ments, or to remove or alter any features which are found to be 
objectionable. With homes that are still in contemplation, there 
is the advantage of being able to arrange the various features at 
will, giving to each and all ample study and forethought, and 
then finally deciding upon such a plan as combines the greatest 
number of excellencies. 

Largeness of extent is no doubt very desirable in ornamental 
grounds, but the fact that everything connected with construc- 
ticjn and maintenance requires a good deal of labor and expense, 
must never be lost sight of. In every instance it would be better 
to decide upon a reti'action of area, than to attempt work on a 
large scale with too small an outlay. Surroundings consisting of 
a fourth of an acre of land, improved in the most perfect man- 
ner, will be infinitely more satisfactory and enjoyable to the 
owner than a half or whole acre, with the same amount of labor 
and expensa bestowed upon the improvements. There is such a 
thing, too, as augmenting the appearance of extent in a place, be 
it large or small, 

A. garden of any size will always look more limited in breadth 
without a good open piece of lawn, and one broad glade of grass 
at least should stretch from the best windows of the house to 
w ithin a short distance of the boundary at the farthest point, 
with as little interruption from walks, trees or other objects as 
possible. Harmony of parts and simplicity of arrangement also 
maintain the idea of size, for where everything is linked together 
to form a united whole, there will be none of that division of in- 
terest which tends to make a place appear still smaller. A place 
that is laid out in a formal manner— in the geometrical style — 
where all walks, flower beds and plantings are arranged with a 
degree of regularity, in which the various lines and parts bear a 
geometric relation to each other, will, unless very extensive, al- 
ways look smaller than it really is, and very much less than one 
treated in a more irregular and natural w%ay. Where the space 
will at all justify it, the walks, shrubs, flower beds, etc, should 
be so disposed of as to afford as many different views as possible, 



THE HOME FLORIST. II 

Walks, in which graceful and easy curves are introduced, are 
more pleasing than if made entirely straight, especially in small 
places, as straight walks or any straight lines reouire length to 
show them to advantage. 

Trees and shrubs are alwajs more effective if arranged largely 
in groups, making the planting heaviest next the boundary fences 
— in preference to the style of planting in straight lines, parallel 
with the street, straight walks, etc. The projections, 
made by curves in winding walks and the points form- 
ed by angles, are suitable for accommodating groups, hav- 
ing these extend back from the walk somewhat, but the 
inner points should be limited to such a distance as will keep 
the centre of the grass plat open. It will be allowable, however 
even in a small place, to plant here and there some what centrally, 
small, irregular groups or single trees or shrubs of fine form and 
appearance, while in large places stronger grouj^s may be set with 
a view to breaking the distance and opening new scenes or jiarts 
in the gi-ounds. 

Flower beds are most effective if located in outward bends, 
formed by walks, or in chaste, well-balanced designs, thrown 
across the 1 ine of a walk or opposite a bay or other Avindow of 
the dwelling. They may also come in as borders or in the shape 
of numerous small beds of round or other forms, on each side of 
walks, or be located at distant points on the lawn, to be viewed 
fi-om the dwelling or street. Sometimes an excellent effect is 
created by making a compound bed in the line of the walk, with 
the walk passing on each side and through it, as shown in Fig. 14. 
Where thfre is an opportunity of connecting a lawn with a 
closely fed meadow or jjasture lot, which is almost on the same 
level, separating the two by means of a wire fence or one con- 
structed in a depression, either natural or artificial, a place, 
may be enlarged in appearance. If some groups of ti-ees were to 
be planted in such a meadow, they might be made to imjiart 
to it quite a park-like character. 

It is frequently possible to keep some object outside the grounds 
in view from a principal window or garden seat, and where, from 
its attractiveness, it may seem desirable to do so, the planting of 
trees should be done to effect this. It may be a neighboring vil- 
lage, a distant mountian peak, or a steeple, or some edifice jjosses- 
siag an air of romaace, and perhaps the plantings may bo so ar- 



12 THE HOME FLORIST. 




ranged as to give it a beautiful setting between the trees. By Fig. 

1 , it will be seen how, if a desirable view is in the direction of ^1 the 

trees should be planted on each side of the line of vision, to keep the 

object in sight. Sometime an object in some 

direction possesses an offensive appearance, 

making it desirable to shut it from sight. <^a^ 

In the same figure we will suppose sucli i> j L.:^ 

the case in the direction of B. It is plainly 

noticeable liow trees can be thrown across n 

the line of vision to entirely hide the object. L,,;, . J 

For this latter purpose, evergreens are to be ^'\ \^ 

preferred , because ot their being continually \ \^ 

in foliage. ^ 

Fia. 1. 

Thiiij^s to be Avoided. — In the first place let me say, 
avoid attempting too much by applying the labor and expense 
necessary to put a place of a certain size in order to one of twice 
or three times the size, and consequently doing the work one- 
half or one-third as well. 

Simplicity is a prime element in beauty, and nothing can be 
more objectionable, in small places especially, than intricacy of 
design, or the prevalance of an air of ostentation. Avoid crowd- 
ing numerous flower-beds or groups of shrubs or trees about the 
lawn, especially if it be a small one. 

In deciding upon a plan for your place, avoid the two extremes 
of exposing it too mucli, or of i-endering it too secluded by plant- 
ing too many, especially of large grovving trees. Errors are fre- 
quently committed in planting Hardy Evergreens and Deciduous 
trees, by not taking ' ' one long look ahead." Many instances have 
come under my observation w^here Norway Spruce, Pines, or other 
trees, which, wuth age, grow to large size, have been planted 
while small close to walks, or perhaps the fence, house, or other 
trees, in groups, without calculating for their future growth or 
spread. Such mistakes are not so evident to the planter while 
the trees are young, but after some years of growth, and after it 
is too late to remedy the matter, they encroach upon the walks 
or house or injure other trees, which it is now also noticeable 
where planted too close. 

Planting ornamental trees is a work requiring forethought. 
It is not altogether for the present immediate effect that it is done, 
but for time far distant as well, and one needs to have the full- 



THE HOME FLORIST. I3 



grown form, size and appearance in his mind's eye at the time of 
planting, if he would avoid making blunders which never can be 
corrected. 

Never locate walks and drives unless there is either a real or ap- 
parent need of them. Walks may lead to a flower bed in the lawn or 
to a seat or arbor, or be carried through the outskirts of the grounds, 
but there should always be a meaning connected with their exist- 
ence — some objects of interest in close proximity to them, or to 
be seen from various points along their course. A writer of note 
has well said that "a walk leading nowhere and ending in nothing 
is never satisfactory." A practice which should never he allowed 
in walks and drives is for two bays or two projections on the same 
side to be seen at once. Use curves, as many as may be desired, 
but no serpent-like twistings. Avoid, however, making the 
curves too short ; they should be fair and continuous, and reason- 
ably direct, otherwise in a i-oadway a horse drawing a carriage 
would be likely to shave projections and avoid the indentations, 
and the track of the wheels would soon show the fault of the de- 
sign. 

In this country, where we are subject to severe dry spells al- 
most every Summer, terraces (earth thrown up above the com- 
mon surface, and made uniformly level, usually), should, as a 
rule, be avoided, unless means are at hand for watering the grass 
growing upon them whenever necessary. The same might be 
said of rockeries, unless they can be constructed in a shady situa- 
tion, or where they can be readily sprinkled in dry weather. 

The introduction of miscellaneous ornaments about gardens, 
such as statuary, groups of stones, artificial basins of water, or 
other objects of similar nature should be undertaken with cau- 
tion, for although there are places in which these may be desira- 
ble, yet it is easy to have more than are compatible with correct 
taste. A vase filled with vigorous plants seldom appears out of 
place. 

Planning' the Work.— The best time to avoid the bad ef- 
fects which naturally arise from a poor arrangement of orna- 
mental grounds, is before the work is commenced. How this may 
be done, is, by making an outline plan of the grounds to be im- 
proved upon paper, locating existing objects, such as the dwell- 
ing, outhouses, trees that may be standing on the grounds, the 
highway, etc., in their correct position on the map, and then with 



14 THE HOME FLORIST. 

a pencil, do the planning throughout upon this, until a satisfac- 
tory i)lan has been arrived at, which can be transferred to the 
grounds in j)arts, as the work of improving goes on. It does not 
require much skill to draw the necessary map for this purpose, as 
the grounds or their outlines serve to guide the making of it. 
With a pencil, rubber, and foot-rule (with the inch and the divi- 
sions of the inch marked upon it) you can get along well enough, 
as regards drawing instruments. First measure each boundary 
with a measuring tape— or a ten-foot pole will do (land 8urve5'ors 
would use a Gunter's chain), representing each in its relative posi- 
tion on the paper by a line reduced to a certain scale — say an 
inch to represent sixteen or thirty-two feet on the ground ; then 
measure the distance the house and other objects are from the 
boundary line and from each otlier, locating these correctly on 
the map by the scale adopted. Being such objects as well as the 
boundary lines will not be changed in the design, their outlines 
may be drawn with ink on the map, to prevent erasure subse- 
quently. The map is now ready for locating the various features 
to be introduced into the plan ; this should be done with a lead 
pencil, to allow of erasing and changing as often as may be nec- 
essary, until a plan is found which suits the place and the taste. 
Every object to be introduced sliould be di"awn by the adopted 
scale of measurement and located in its correct position, so tliat 
it can easily be transferred to the ground by measuring when 
operations are under way, 0(;casionally, as the work of plan- 
ning progresses, each feature should be viewed from various di- 
rections by holding the upper surface of the paper nearly in line 
with the eye; to get a better view of them, as they will appear 
on the grounds. The reason of this is obvious, when we con- 
sider that objects upon a landscape or garden are viewed in this 
way, the beholder standing upon the level of the grounds and 
not above them. 

It is well to make several maps and draw a different plan ui>on 
eac'h, thus securing the means of making comparisons and choos- 
ing the one which combines the greatest number of good points. 
Fac-similes of the first map are easily produced for this purpose 
by laying this one on top of half a dozen or less papers of the 
same size, and then running the point of a sharp instrument 
down through the pajiers at the corners of all angles and the 
various points on the map. This will mark each paper to guide 
tlie drawing of lines for making fac-similes of the upper one. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 1 5 

Too great care cannot be taken in making various plans and in 
finally deciding upon one, for any incousiderateness in these re- 
spects may be the source of regret afterwards. This is work for 
the leisure hours of Winter, and it should be engaged in early 
enough, so that each and all distinct features that suggest them- 
selves may be deliberately pondered over and studied in their re- 
lation to the whole design, for, bear in mind, when, a plan is 
once fully decided upon and the work of completion executed, it 
is done for a long time distant in the future, and will stand as 
a monument, pointing either to the wise and deliberate or to 
the reckless action of the projector. 



Fig. 2. Arranging Stakes to Facilitate Grading. 

Grading and Levelingr. — After the plan has been completed, 
the work of grading the surface— generally more or less uneven, 
is first in order. Grading is one of the distinguishing features 
of a complete garden, and if nice and evenly done, does more 
to give to grounds, otherwise well improved, a finished appear- 
ance than any other one operation. The lawn if properly made 
will then present the appearance of a carpet of velvety green, 
and flower beds, shrubs and trees will stand in delightful relief 
above the surface. The propriety of preserving natural undula- 
tions, or attempting artificial variety of surface in moderate- 
sized or small grounds is always questionable ; although in large 
grounds planted in irregular style these, if softly and approj^riately 
finished off, may be made to improve the general appearance 
of the grounds. 

The work of grading is commenced by passing over the grounds 
and leveling, being guided only by the eye ; all elevations should 
be plowed up and the ground from them should be hauled or scraped 
into the depressions which may exist. It should, however, be 
observed, that at least six inches of good soil overlay the whole 
in all places, and where any considerable hills are removed suffi- 
cient subsoil is also to be removed to be replaced with topsoil to 
this depth. Wherever walks and drives are to come the ground 



i6 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



may now be excavated to a proper deptli for filling in with the 
road material and be used in low places. When this rough grad- 
ing is completed, drains sliould be laid wherever necessary, after 
which the work should be planned for finishing the grading to a 
nicety. To do this it will be necessary to set guide stakes in 
rows across the grounds, driven down so that the heads be in line 
and exactly marking where the new surface is to come. How to 
accomplish driving the guide stakes so that the heads will be in 
line I shall presently explain. If a heavy rain can be had on the 
grounds before the work at this stage is advanced, it will be all 
the better, otherwise it will become necessary, with the finishing 
work, to leave the ground sufficiently elevated wherever filling in 
of low places was done, to allow for i^erfect settling. 

In Fig. 8 we will suppose the ground on 
j each side of the dwelling slants away tow- 
ards the bovindaries. The first step to take 
towards setting the stakes for guiding the 
work of final grading is to pass along the 
boundary and drive a stake at each corner 
of the lot to a depth so that its top will 
represent the desired new grade in each 
place. Then similarly drive four corre- 
sponding stakes around the dwelling, set- 
each far enough from the corner to enable 
sighting fi'om it to the next one to it on all 
sides of the house. After this, stakes are 
l<'i(/. :5. to be set in rows across each section or 

slant of the grounds to guide the leveling ; but, as this can only 
be done over one part at a time, we will illustrate how to proceed 
by directing the reader through each step of setting the stakes on 
the wide plot of ground laying to the left of the house in Fig. 3. 
Let us suppose that the line h in Fig. 2 represents the surface be- 
tween the corner stakes driven at ^1 b and A c in the upper part 
of Fig. 3, and that the stakes shown at each end of this sectional 
cut, with their heads to line C, are these two corner stakes (.1 b, 
A c. Fig. 3). Now drive a new stake at the side of each of these 
stakes, but with the heads, we will say. (exactly 18 inches above 
them. These stakes are for the puri)ose of sighting over to place 
three or five or more stakes between the two corner ones. One 
person should sight wliile another drives the stakes ; the former 
observing and directing the depth they are to be driven. Tliis 




THE HOME FLORIST. \J 

sighting is illustrated in Fig. 2. After these intermediate stakes 
are set, another stake should be driven at the side of each, with 
the top 18 inches lower than top of the sighting stake, which it 
is obvious will bring the heads of them in line with the corner 
stakes just driven, as is shown by dotted line C in Fig. 3, which 
is tlie line of the desired grade. If the surface is wanted slightly 
ci'owuing in the center between the corner stakes, by keeping the 
lower stake at the center less than 18 inches below the top of the 
sighting stake and gradually increasing the measure between the 
top of the upper and lower stake as j'ou proceed towards the cor- 
ner, this may be easily done. We next proceed with the sight- 
ing and staking operation along the boundary, from the upper 
corner stake ^4 h, to the lower corner stake A b, and also from A 
c to ^-1 c, driving the same number of stakes on each, although 
line Ah A b is much longer than the other. The distance they 
are to be apart on each line may be arrived at by guess, as it is 
not material that they be exactly alike. A good way is to set one 
at what woiild be taken as half way between tlie corner stakes, 
and then dividing the distance to the corner on each side in the 
same way, and so on until enough have been placed, being cer- 
tain, however, that the same number are on each line After this 
is done, crosslines of stakes are to be run from each stake iu line ^4 b 
Abto the corresponding stake in line A c A c, in the manner de- 
scribed in my reference to Fig. 2, commencing at one end of the 
plot. The other quarter sections around the house are each in 
turn to be laid out in the manner I have described, after which 
the work of leveling may finally be completed. With these stakes 
at ten, fifteen or twenty feet apart each way, it is easy to grade 
the earth evenly between them. With the completion of grad- 
ing and the removal of the stakes, we are brought to making 
walks and drives, and sowing the lawn. 

The Lawu ; Tree Planting-. — A good lawn, clean and well 
kept, one which presents a lively green appearance, from early 
in the Spring until cold weather, is a sight worth witnessing, and 
one well worth expending a good deal of labor and money upon 
to obtain. After the ground is shaped to the desired grade, as de- 
scribed above, then the whole should be trenched or plowed, 
a sub-soil following in the wake of the common plow to 
deeply pulverize it. The soil from the first furrow made in 
plowing will be thrown above the common level, and after the 
piece is overturned this should be drawn or wheeled into the open 



l8 THE HOME FLORIST. 



furrow left by the plow in finishing, that all may become even 
again. A heavy harrow should then be apijlied until the surface 
is tiioroughly fined down. It may now be noticed by the care- 
ful eye that slight undulations still exist here and there about 
the grounds ; these can be leveled with a shovel or hoe. All 
stones, roots, etc., should also be removed, so that a smooth sur- 
face may be obtained ; these will be found useful for filling, in 
making walks and drives To facilitate the work of tree plant- 
ing, wluch next should receive attention, small stakes should be 
set at the points marked on the plan ; the planting should be done 
carefully and without unnecessary digging or disturbing the 
graded surface. After this the harrow or, better yet, the rake 
may again pass over the surface, with afterwards the roller, and 
the lawu is ready to be sown. For small plats, of course, digging, 
trenching and raking must be done, instead of plowing, sub-soil- 
ing and harrowing. Do not fall into the common error of using 
seed sparingly. Four bushels to the acre is the proper quantity. 
The Red Top or Blue Grass are about the best, or the " mixtures " 
of desirable kinds that are furnished by reliable seedsmen. It is 
well to add a pound or two of Sweet Vernal grass to the acre for 
the delightful fragrance it emits after being cut ; also a quantity of 
WJiite Clover, say one or two pounds to the acre. These are usu- 
ally included in the mixtures prepared by seedsmen. 

When the seed is sown, a light harrow or rake should be ap- 
plied, and after that a thorough rolling given, so that the surface 
may become as smooth as possible. The seed may be sown in 
the Spring, during April and early May, or even earlier at the 
South, and will form a good lawn by August, if the jireparation 
has been good. If not ready to sow before June or July, a 
sprinkling of oats should be sown at the same time, 
so that the shade given by the oats will protect the young 
grass from the sun. But rather than sow during thi' hottest weatlu'r, 
I pri'fer to put it off uiitil September, whic-h is one of the best of 
times for the work. Frcijuent mowing of the grass and the 
weeds, let me add, should be attended to from the fii-st, The 
weed seed lying dormant in the ground at sowing time, may 
spring up thickly with the grass, but will finally succumb to the 
frequent use of the lawn mower or scythe, and some hand dig- 
ging later, while the grass will improve in strength and appear- 
ance with each cut<.ing. Mowing every w):>ek or two Vvill not be 
too often. The grass, if it is very heavy, should be raked ofT 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



19 




after each mowing with a lawn rake. Lawns are frequently sown 
during the Fall months with excellent results. 

Sometimes after a good sod has formed on the lawn, it is desir- 
able to remove a tree or shrub from one part of the ground to an- 
other, or to plant a new one. In fig. 4, 1 
show how this can be done, without 
mutilating or otherwise injuring the 
sod. Four cuts are made, two or three 
feet in length, away from the tree, and 
the sod is rolled back while taking up 
or planting the tree, and again unfold- 
ing it into its original position after the 
soil has been properly leveled. With 
a little care this operation may be so 
nicely done as scarcely to leave marks. 

Sodding. — The edges of grass-sown 
lawns, bordering on walks, drives , flow- 
er-beds, etc., should for protection, be 
sodded one foot wide. Sodding is best Fig. 4. 

done with turf obtained from an even grassy spot in the meadow, 
where no weeds are growing. In taking up the sods they should be 
cut into squares of about one foot by one foot, or into lengtlis of 
five or six feet and one foot wide, which can be conveniently rolled 
up for handling them, cutting them about an inch and a half 
thick. In putting down the sods they should be laid closely 
and compactly together, beating them smootlily with the back 
of the spade, so that there will be no crevice between the cut 
portions or beneath them. This work is best done early in the 
Spring or late in the Autumn. 

Walks and Drives.— Good dry roads or walks should be 
aimed at for about the home, and these when well made and fin- 
ished impart character and finish to any grounds. The ordinary 
method of securing the curves which have been decided upon, is 
by measurement or by setting small stakes on the line of the road, 
and moving them until the curve seems graceful and pleasant to 
the eye. We find a very good plan in J. Weideniann's work on 
Landscape Gardening, published by the Orange Judd Co., for 
accomplishing this. In the engraving it will be readily seen 
how, by means of a stout cord and stakes, the curve is 
secured. After the desired course and width of walks and drives 



20 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




are decided upon, the 
work of making may 
commence. Excavate 
from one to two feet, fill 
in with large stones, 
upon these put smaller 
ones, diminishing the 
Fig. 5. size as the surface is 

reached, and using coarse gx'avel on top of the stone, and then 
finish with a coat of finer gravel at the top. Roll well all during 
tlie process of construction, and tliere will be a road that will sel- 
dom if ever need mending, and be fit to travel on in any kind of 
weather. 





Fi,j. (5. 



Designs for Flower Beds on tlic Lawn.— With a ten- 
foot pole, two stakes eighteen inches long, and a cord to connect 
them, and several dozen small stakes for defining outlines, the 
following designs may easily be made. In figure 6, ascertain the 
points of the star by setting five stakes at 
equal distance from each other on the circle, 
C\ lay the ten-foot jjolefrom each stake to the 
I \ second one from it both ways, and mark with 
/ ja pointed stick. For the moon make one 
/ / larjje circle for the outside, and another 
/ smaller on(> with the center a little moved to 
give the inside shape. To make an oval, first 
Fi(j . 8 lay out an oblong square of the desired size, 

placing stakes at the corners. Then set five, seven, or any like 
number of stakes, on each side, as is shown in figure seven. Now 
lay the pole against the middle, long-side stake, and the first 
stake from the corner on the short side, and draw a mark ; then 




THE HOME FLORIST. 



21 



move it to tlie stake next the middle on the long side and stake 
number two on the short side, and draw another mark, proceed in 
this manner around the enlii-e square, and a well-proportioned 
oval will finally result. Triangular and other forms are readily 
made with the pole, stakes and line. 





Fig- 0. Fig. 10. 

Designs of Compound Flower Beds. 

OPEN AIR FLORICULTURE. 



Planting- in Masses ot Color.— This style of adornment 
with plants and flowers is one of the most effective that can be 
adopted for ornamenting the grounds about the home, and it 
possesses the merit of being simple. It consists of planting beds 
which are cut in the lawn, or otherwise located, with a single 
kind of plant, or with various kinds, grouped so thickly that the 
ground will become entirely concealed, thus forming one or more 
distinct masses of bloom or color. Or the beds may be of com- 
pound form, consisting of separate parts, each planted with a 
distinct color. Sometimes an edging of any beautiful low plant 
may be set around these masses with good advantage. Certain 
plants are better than others for masses, these being such as are 
free bloomers, or that have attractive foliage. Several designs 
of beds suitable for this style of work are represented herewith, 
and the reader is referred to the article on " Laying Out Flower 
Beds in the Lawn," for others. 

It should not be inferred that beds in the massing style need be 
either large or costly to be effective. Beds three, or even two 



22 THE HOME FLORIST. 



feet across, if cut in the green lawn, and planted with such valu- 
able plants for this purpose, as scarlet, or any bright-bedding 
Geraniums, Coleus or others, say five well-establislu d plants for 
tiie smaller, and eight for the larger-sized beds, will become amaz- 
ingly attractive and appear complete in any grounds. Tliose try- 
ing one or more beds in massing could scarcely fail to be pleased 
with the result. Fig. 12 is a perspective representation of a round 
bed planted in three different colors, as shown by the dark and 
light parts. The centre is occupied by a distinct color, some- 
what taller than the others. Fig. 9 represents a compound bed of 
circular outline. The centre bed may be divided into four equal 
parts, each i)lanted with a distinct color of Phlox Drummondi, 
or only two coloi-s, as white and scarlet, each color occupying 
two opposite quarters. Tlie small outside beds might be planted 
with mixed Pansies, and the large ones respectively with crimson 
and rose-colored Portulaca. Fig. 10 is a very easily-planned com- 
Dound bed, more elaborate than the last one described, but, like 
it, is well adapted for any fair-sized grounds. The former may 
be about twelve feet in diameter, from outside to outside, and the 
latter twenty to thirty feet across between extreme points. A 
star, the body of which is planted with Achryanthes Verschaffelti. 
and the points with Alternantliera Versicolor, a plant of the 
same color, makes a very attractive bed. We have often i)lanted 
round beds with the dark and otlier colored Cannas, placing a 
row of White Centaureas around tlie elge Avith satisfactory re- 
sults. There is really no limit to the varied arrangements which 
may be adopted with pleasing effects in this style of planting. 
To render the present article on this subject more complete, I 
give a list of the plants best suited to this purpose. The reader 
is referred to the description of each kind, which will be found ir 
other parts of the work. 



Ageratum, in variety. 
Abutilon Thompaoni. 
Achryantlwfi, various Colors. 
Alyssum and Thyme, variegated 
Alternanf]ieras, various colors. 
Arteniesia Stell(( ris. 
Candytvft , various colors. 
Canna.s, various colors. 
Centaarea Candida, and Gym- 

nocarpa. 
Coleus, in large variety. 
Dwarf Convolvulus. 



Geraniums, in large variety. 

Golden Feather Feverfew. 

Heliotrope. 

Leptosiphon, various colors, 

Lobelia. 

Pansies, various colors. 

Pctnnias, various colors. 

Phlox Drnnimondi, var. colors. 

I'orfulaca. various colors. 

Stocks, various colors. 

Sedums in variety. 

Verbenas, various colors. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



23 




liibbou Gardening-. — This method 
of planting consists of setting plants with 
contrasting color of flowers or with show-y 
foliage, in lines on round, oval or squai-e 
[beds, to produce an effect resembling a 
ribbon, when %dewed from a distance. To 
give a correct idea of this matter I illus- 
trate in Fig. 11 the placing of the plants in 
position in a circular bed; it will 
be seen that the work of planting may be 
guided by striking circles, with a line at- 
tached to a stake in the centre. I have 
found in practice that in planting circular or oval ribbon beds it 
is best to plant the largest or outside circle first ; then commence 
in the center and finish at the second line from the outside. Fig. 
13 represents a long ribbon bed planted with five lines of plants 
of various colors. A large oval 
bed, 13 by 18 feet in diameter, 
might be planted, with the first 
row next to the grass, with Vari- 
gated Sweet Alyssum, eight inches Fig. 12. Planting in masses 
apart, the second from the edge of color. 

with Alternantheras ten inches apart ; third, Centaurea Candida, 
fourteen inches apart ; fourth, Coleus Verchaffelti, sixteen inches 



Fig. 11. 
A Circular Ribbon 
Bed. 





Fig. Vi. A Long Ribbon Bed of Plants. 

apart; fifth, CaladiumEsculentum, a foot and a half apart ; sixth, 
Abutilon Thorapsoni, fifteen inches apart ; the center with large 
Cannas, intermixed with Gladiolus. Such a bed is bound to be 
exceedingly beautiful for months, provided that the soil and the 
quality of the plants set out are the best. It will be noticed that 
the tallest plants occupy the center, while each circle toward 
the edge contains plants of less height. Where smaller beds are 
desired, a less number of circles or lines will be necessary ; one 
might be made with a large scarlet Geranium, Gladiolus or double 
Zinnia, for the center, with white Feverfew, Centaurea, or 
white Phlox Drummondi next, and surrounding these. Lark- 
spur, Heliotrope, or other blue flowers, with yellow Calceolaria 



24 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



or Dwarf Nasturtium next, and outside of all a circle of Varie- 
gated Tliyme, Sweet Alyssuui, Mignonette, or other low-growing 
plant. A very pretty, long-ribbon bed is made by taking differ- 
ent colors of the same flower, like Phlox Drummondi, Portulaca, 
Verbenas, Stocks, and others described as being suitable. With 
care in sudyiug descriptions of plants, so that good selections may 
be made, and then a little experience, the work of arranging 
these beds becomes easy and interesting. 

Planting Mixed Borders and Beds.— A very common 
arrangement of flower beds, and one of the best of all, consists in 
making borders along the walks four or more feet wide, large 
beds in the lawn, or a center bed in the vegetable garden, and 
planting promiscuously with a general variety of all kinds and 
seasons of flowering. Be careful, in planting such beds, to place 
the tallest growers, such as Hollyhocks, Ricinus, Dahlias, etc., in 
the background or in the center if the beds are circular, and then 
setting the smaller growers in front of such. Plants and flowers 
of different colors should be set to show to the best advantage by 
contrasts and those flowering at different times, to make the dis- 
play continual throughout. Fig. 14 illustrates a plan for flower 
beds in a walk bordered with shrubbery'. 




Fig. 14. Floxrer Beds in Walk. 

Flower Beds f<u* Constant Cntting-.— Many flowers will 
perhaps be wanted for the table, bouquets, or to give away. For 
such purposes it is better to have a bed or mixed border near at 
hand, planted with free blooming varieties that are desirable for 
fragrance and brilliant colors, especially for this use. Tliese will 
bloom all the more constant for having the young flowers cut as 
fast as they open, and it is surprising to see what an amount of 



THE HOME FLORIST. 2$ 

flowers can be daily cut from quite a small bed. Such a bed 
should be planted largely with annual Phlox Drummondi, Sweet 
Pea, Zinnia. Stocks, Candytuft, Mignonettes, besides Heliotrope, 
monthly Roses, Gladiolus, Dahlia, double, single and scented 
Geranium, Verbena, Pansy and others. An abundance of green 
should be provided for, a matter which is too often overlooked. 
Nothing can be cultivated to supply this better than the Rose and 
other scented Geraniums, varieties of which valuable family of 
plants are easily propagated by every one, and which grow 
with great vigor if taken from the pots and planted in fertile soil. 
A few plants of each will afford a large supply of delightful foli- 
age, and many clusters of flowers all Summer. There are several 
varieties of so-called Rose Geraniums, all differing somewhat in 
fragrance and ajipearance, most of which are inferior to the true 
rose-scented variety. Then, some plants with beautiful foliage, 
such as Abutilon Thompsoni, Centaurea Gymnocari^a, or the 
Achryanthes, Amaranthus, etc. , should not be overlooked. These 
will furnish a variety of material for intermixing with and 
edging flowers in bouquets, baskets and other arrangements, 
that is very desirable along with green. Smilax is a plant with 
finer foliage than the Geraniums alluded to, but it is not so good 
for constant cutting, being a climber, and hardly available until 
it has made a growth of six feet, as the vine with leaves attachea 
are too succulent for use, unless several mouths old. Another 
plant deserving of moi-e general use for this purpose is the Lemon 
Verbena {Aloysia Citriodora), v/hich is of easy culture, and a fav- 
orite wherever its delightfully fragrant leaves are known. 

The Soil : Its Preparation and Treatment.— To be 
successful in cultivating flowers, it is of the greatest importance 
under all circumstances that we give plants a deep, fertile and 
well-drained soil to grow in. That attempts at floriculture may 
prove to be failures from other causes, is possible; but I freely 
assert that lack of attention to securing the requisites named is 
the direct cause of nearly every failure to produce fine flowers in 
abundance. This is a point that should be well observed by be- 
ginners. Not a season passes but in Jul}-, August and September, 
flower beds are to be seen which were laid out and planted with 
much taste and expense perhaps, that contain at this season only 
poor, unthrifty, flowerless plants, an eye-sore to the beholder, 
and a testimonial to the one fact, that the soil was unsuitably pi-e- 
pared for flowers. Few soils are so stubborn that with perfect 



26 THE HOME FLORIST. 

drainage, either natural or artificial — and this well done once will 
last a lifetime — with being treuclied eighteen inches or two feet 
deep, and annually supplied with a dressing of manure, together 
with being well tilled, will not produce flowers in abundance. 

Trenching i? an operation which consists in working the soil 
deeply with the use of the spade. It serves to i^romote the growth 

of vegetation, by giving to 

the roots ample room for 

extension; besides, with 

retaining moisture the en- 

^—^-1^ tire depth to which tlie 

m^^M.^.^.—SSS^f/^Km soil is stirred and broken, 

^/ I it preventsinjury to plants 

in severe drouths, where 



Fi<j. 15. Trenching. they might be badly effected 

by drying, were the soil only woi'ked to a shallow depth. In ordi- 
nary culture the surface soil only is overturned or stirred by the 
plow or spade, leaving the subsoil underneath, which is usually 
hard and comi)act, untouched; but with trenching the operation 
is conducted to work up the latter as well as the former, keeping 
eacli part by itself, the surface soil above and the subsoil, which 
is of a sterile natui'e, underneath. The annexed cut, represent- 
ing a section of soil to be trenched, shows how this is accom- 
plished. Tlie surface soil shown in section A, to the width of 
about six feet across the bed, is first thrown out entirely and the 
subsoil vmderneath (a) is turned with the spade, moving it only 
enough to facilitate the work; a section of surface soil about 
four feet wide, represented in the cut by B, is next thrown over 
in the space ^4, on subsoil a, and the subsoil now turned to light 
is overturned i.i like manner as that represented by a was. The 
soil in section C, to the width of about four feet, is in turn thrown 
into space B, and the subsoil underneath is overturned. The op- 
eration is continued in the same manner across the bed or lot, and 
the opening remaining at the end after the other side lias been 
reached, can be filled up with the surface soil first thrown out. 

Manure should be applied to flower beds in the Fall, after severe 
frosts have finally cut down the plants, and annual bulbs and 
tubers are removed. This should be spread evenly over the sur- 
face, and incorporate well with the soil by spading up thoroughly 
and deep, leaving the clods unbroken as they leave the spade. 
Always have a supply of manure in some corner for such pur- 



THE HOME FLORIST. 2/ 



poses. Those who keep a cow or horse will of course have enough. 
If you manage to have it twelve or more months old before using, 
it is best, although some fresher from the stable will answer the 
purpose. Those who cannot get stable manure readily may have 
to depend on artificial fertilizers, even though they are not so 
good on the whole. In some places a compost heap might be 
made to a good jjurpose by gathering up a store of leaves m the 
Fall and leaving them lay until Spring, when they should be piled 
up in alternate layers with a cartload of sods from some meadow 
or roadside to rot, giving the heap a weekly soaking of soapsuds 
on washing days. Throw on, during the Summer months, rak- 
ings and scrapings from the garden, and once in a while add a 
shovelful of lime and a barrow load of black earth from the 
street, and by early Winter you will have a mound of rich, black 
ciTimbly loam, of fine fertilizing quality. 

Where hardy plants, shrubs, or Roses that remain in the ground 
from year to year, are growing in the beds, care should be taken 
not to cut or spade so near them as to injure the roots at the 
annual Fall spading. These are benefited by receiving a dressing 
of coarse hay or strawy manure over their roots late in the 
season, which should be raked off again in the Spring. In Spring 
the beds are to be lightly worked over again with the spade or 
digging-fork. If the manure worked in in the Fall appears to 
have been ample, none need now be applied. We take exception, 
however, to new beds to be planted for the first time; better give 
these another moderate dressing before spading. In no case do 
sj^ading in the Spring until the soil is dry. Imprudence in this 
respect will cause most land to become rough and cloddy, a state 
wholly unfit for flowers, and which cannot be remedied during 
that season. After nicely raking up the beds, always leaving the 
middle slightly elevated, you can carry out your plans — which 
should have been perfected before planting time — by setting out 
the hardiest plants first, finishing with the more tender kinds in May. 

Sowing" Seeds. — Some flower seeds, like those of Candytuft, 
Convolvulus, Escholtzia, Larksjiur, Mignonette, Poppy, Portu- 
laca. Sweet Pea, etc., do better to sow directly where they are to 
bloom. As soon as the ground becomes warm and friable, say in 
April and May, open, neat, shallow drills — not too deep— and drop 
in the seed; draw in fine earth and beat it down a little with the 
hoe or spade. Where many flowers of a single kind of seed- 
grown plants ai'e wanted the seeds may be sown broadcast, covering 



28 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



with light sandy soil, sprinkled on with the hand or through a fine 
sieve, or a careful raking, if the soil is fine, may answer the same 
purpose. I may say, however, that on the whole, sowing in 
drills, even if flowers are grown on a large scale, is the bettor 
way. Never cover seeds of any kind too deep. Failures often 
arise from this cause alone. I consider the old rule of covering 
twice the depth of their own diameters to be reliable, and appli- 
cable to any kind of sowing. As soon as seedlings have devel- 
oped their second leaves they should be thinned. Pansics, Holl}-- 
hocks. Delphiniums and many other hardy perennial plants should 
be sown in August and September, and most of these will tlien 
flower the next year and earlier than if their sowing is deferred uut il 
Spring. These should be slightly covered over the roots at the 
approach of cold weather. For further remarks on time of sow- 
ing various seeds, see Weekly Classification of Work for May, 
June, July, August and September. 

Most other seed-grown plants, besides those named above, are 
benefited by being transplanted, and should be started in a jire- 
pared seed-bed, hot-bed, or a box in the house. In either case, a 
light, sandy loam should be used, as with plants intended for re- 
moval when they have attained a certain size, an abundance of 
fibrous roots is of importance, and these can never be obtained if 
the seedlings are brought forward in a soil of a hard, *' baked " 
character. Decomposed grass sods from a sandy meadow mixed 
with some old manure that is finely separated make an excellent 
soil for all such purposes. 

Hot-Beds, Cold-Frames and Seed-Beds.— Every fam- 
ily possessing a garden ought to have a hot-bed, even if it be a 
small one, in which to start seedling plants. Dahlia roots. Tube- 
rose bulbs, etc., and also to root cuttings. Tender annuals and 
vegetables of all kinds for planting could be had three or four 

weeks earlier than if tlie 




Fin. 16.— Hot Bed. 



seeds were sown in the 
open ground. thus advanc- 
ing their season of matur- 
ity. A hot-bed is made by 
forming a pile of fre.sli 
St ra wy horse m a n u r e 
some three feet in height, 
slightly elevated at what 
is to be tlie bacli end of the 



THE HOME FLORIST. 29 

bed. As a number of loads will be required for an ordinary sized 
bed, it may be necessary to gather up manure for the purpose 
for some time previous to using it, in which case the accumula- 
tions should be kept from the wet under cover, and be frequently 
overturned to check its heating before needed. The bed may be 
sunk a foot or eighteen inches in the ground if tlie soil is well 
drained, and should be a foot larger each way than the frame 
which is to be used. The manure should be well trodden down to 
prevent settling when finished. Lying thus causes it to ferment, 
which fermentation produces the lasting bottom heat that warms 
the soil and renders the bed essentially a miniature greenhouse. 
After the manure is in sliape, the frame, which should be made of 
IJ or H inch plank, 18 inches wide, can be placed on at once and 
filled in with about four or five inches of light soil well enriched 
with fine manure. Banking up over the pi'ojecting portion of 
the manure on the outside with ground will tend to confine the 
heat to the inside of tlie frame, and will also improve the appear- 
ance of the bed by hiding the manure. Keep the sash closed un- 
til the heat has warmed the soil well. Then better wait a day or 
two before sowing the seed. Sow in drills, about two or three 
inches ajmrt, running across the bed. Care is required in clear 
weather to prevent the heat rising to an injvirious temperature, 
giving abundant air when the sun shines, by moving the sash up 
or down. The safest way is to be governed by a thermometer, 
which should be placed where the sun's rays will not strike it; 
keep the temperature as near sixty degrees in the shade as possi- 
ble. When the mercury indicates higher than that point, give 
air; when below — as it will in frosty nights — cover with mats. 
By being attentive in this matter, seeds that were sown in March 
or April will have become thrifty, well-tempered plants by May. 

The principal advantages of a hot-bed may be secured by what 
is called a Cold-Frame. This is formed without manure, by plac. 
ing the hot-bed frame upon a bed of soil in some shelted place in 
tlie garden protected from cold winds. Do not start the cold 
frame until the latter part of April in this latitude, as we depend 
wliolly on the sun for heating it. It requires much the same care 
with reference to airing on sunny days, and protecting with mats 
in cold nights as does the hot- bed. Both must be watered occa- 
sionally as the soil demands it. 

Many can have neither of these conveniences. By starting a 
a week or two later, seeds may be sown in a bed of mellow soil 



30 THE HOME FLORIST. 

in some warm, sunny spot about the house with goo<l results. On 
the east or soutli side of a building is the bi st place, as here the 
sun's rays reflected on the bviilding will cause the bed to be some 
degrees warmer, consequently earlier than if made out in an 
open space. All seeds will come up sooner for having the ground 
shaded with shutters, mats, or perhaps, better than all, a little 
scattering of line hay, until the shoots have reached the surface, 
when the covering must be removed at once. 

Transplanting'. — This with seedling plants should be done 
with a dibble or pointed stick, and pot-grown plants with a gar- 
den trowel just before or after a shower. But sometimes trans- 
planting nuist be done in a dry spell. The best way then is to 
plant carefully towards evening of the day, leaving a depression 
in the soil around each plant, which should be filled with water 
and allowed to settle away until the soil is thoroughly saturated. 
Next morning the earth should be drawn in, to prevent the wet 
soil from baking. 

Sinnmer Culture.— In Summer the earth between the 
plants should be frequently stirred, after each rain at least, to 
keci) it properly mellow, and for destroying all weeds. Thorough 
culture is also one of the l)est remedies against the bad effects of 
drouth, as an open soil absorbs moisture from the atmosphere in 
the night -tin>e to a great extent. Some things, like Lilies, Carna- 
tions and Rhododendrons, it is well to mulch witli a coat of straw. 
Beds are better if so arranged that flowers or plants can be reached 
in cultivating or picking without treading on the ground. 

Watering in Summer —Whenever it becomes necessary to 
resort to watering in dry weather, it is much better to ai)i)ly suffi- 
cient water to thoroughly soak the soil while about it than to ap- 
])Iy a small quantity day by day, a custom very juvvalent among 
cultivators. In watering i)lants, fust draw tl'.e soil away from 
the base of the stalk in order to form a sort of basin in which to 
pour the water; fill this up and let it settle away repeatedly until 
a ])lenty has been applied, then draw the earth again to the plant, 
which will prevent the soil from baking in the sun. A tliorough 
watering of this kind ought to answer for several weeks in the 
dryest time of Summer. When entire beds are to be watered the 
soil should he opened by thrusting a digging-fork into it here and 
there before sprinkling; llien the beds should be passed over again 



THE HOME FLORIST. 3 1 



and again ^ith the pot and sprinkler until there is enough. The 
next day the surface of the bed should be mellowed up with the 
rake or hoe. 

This rule of watering very thoroughly each time it is needed, 
and then not again until really necessary, applies quite as well to 
watering ijlants in pots at all seasons of the year, either out of 
doors or in the house and conservatory, as in the open ground. 
Be on the guard to not over-water pot plants, however, as it is 
contrary to the nature of most of these to thrive in a heavily 
saturated soil. 

The Removal of Matured Flowers. — Every experienced 
cultivator of plants and flowers probably knows the good effect 
that the removing of flowers, as soon as they are fully developed, 
or before the petals fall, causes to a plant, by increasing its gen- 
eral productiveness, and the size of the future flowers. A stvidy 
of vegetable physiology discloses, and practical observation fully 
confirms the fact, that the young flower or bud taxes the vitality 
of a plant to but a slight degree, as compared with the hardening 
of the flower stem, which causes the petals to drop, and precedes 
the ripening of the seed. This is important to observe, particu- 
laily in cultivating Roses. Verbenas, Pansies, Dahlias, Zinnias, 
Mignonette, Sweet Pea, Double Petunias, etc. I will add that 
some plants, like Mignonette, which are usually treated as an- 
nuals, will live and continue to increase in beauty for years if not 
allowed to seed. 

The flowering season of many things like Verbenas, Geraniums 
and Dahlias may be lengthened almost every Autumn, by cover- 
ing the plants with mats, etc., on cool nights to protect from the 
first September frosts. After some quite sharp frosts the weather 
usually comes off warm and pleasant for some time yet, and it is 
well to have the benefit of this on the plants. 

Preparing' Plants for Winter Flowering — It should be 
borne in mind that in plant culture either in the window or the 
conservatory in the Winter the natural conditions of heat sun- 
light, and the lessened length of the days, are adverse to the pro- 
fuse growth of vegetation, and particularly the production of 
flower buds; for this reason it is of the greatest importance to 
have at the outset for this purpose, good plants of strong vitality. 
"When plants pass into the Winter quarters in a weakened condi- 
tion from any cause they will be apt to remain weak all Winter. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



Tl-.t> bcT.t way of securing plants foi- Winter flowering, especially 
rapid growing kinds, is to start with young ones the Spring previ- 
ous, and jn-epare them during the Summer by giving them a fav- 
orahh- o])i)ortunity for making a healthy growth in the open air. 
either in pots plunged to their rims in soil, refuse hops or other 
material, or by being bedded out. During this time, and until 
within a month or two of cold weather, practice a system of head- 
ing them in to cause a compact stocky growth, and also to prevent 
the exhaustion of plant force by flowering, which, if allowed, 
would be detrimental to the crop in Winter. For special remarks 
on the culture of all .suitable varieties, see the direction accom- 
panying each kind. 

The plants that were bedded during Summer, such as Carna- 
tions. Violets, etc., should be taken up and ])otted in September, 
in order that they may fully recover from the effects of the oper- 
ation before cold weather sets in. With plants grown for the 
beauty of their foliage, it is needless to adopt this course of Sum- 
mer treatment, further than to have them healthy and of fme 
form, whether the}' be large or small. Some small pots contain- 
ing pretty plants, placed among the larger ones of a collection 
will enhance appearances greatly. In the Fall avoid taking plants 
into their Winter quarters too soon, but gradually inure them to 
the confined air of the room or bay window by keeping them in- 
side during cold nights or cool weather, allowing them to be fully 
expo.sed to the air in partial shade, as under the piazza, or at the 
side of the house during fine weather. In the case of having a 
conservatory the plants may be i)laced in it at once, but an abun- 
dance of air should be allowed to circulate through the structure 
at all times when the outside temperature will allow. The plants 
grown in pots should receive their final shift into the pots or boxes 
they are to occupy during Winter, in September or October. We 
find tliat a soil made of two or three parts of decomposed turf 
and one part of well-rotted stable manure, with the addition of a 
llttli' clean sand, is suited to nearly every plant grown, and is 
better than '' chip ground," so commonly used. 

Aiitiiinii Planting: of Hardy Unlbs.— Were the bulbs 
which are known as the Hardy or Dutcli Bulbs grown by i)lant- 
ing in the Springtime of the year with the (iladiolas. Tigridia, 
etc., their culture would be more common, and collections of the 
choicer varieties, such as are conspicuous for their beauty and 



THE HOME FLORIST. 33 

giaudeur, would be less rare. Planting at the approach of Win- 
ter is rather contrary to the general rule of garden management, 
and we are inclined to neglect this only means for securing the 
flowering of Hyacinths. Tulips, Crocus, etc., early the following 
Spring, or for improving the collections that may already be grow- 
ing in our gardens, which consist far too often of inferior varie- 
ties, considering the trifling outlay which is necessary for obtain- 
ing a better collection. 

The planting of the hardy bulbs may be done at any time during 
the months of September, October and November, or even later, 
provided the ground remains unfrozen later, which is sometimes 
the case. To be entirely safe, it is best, perhaps not to defer the 
worli much after October. Bulbs will succeed in any good gar- 
den soil ; in order, however, to secure the highest degree of suc- 
cess in their culture, it is necessary to plant in a soil that is well 
drained and enriched with thoroughly decayed manure. Hya- 
cinths require a richer soil than any others. When all plantings 
have been completed, and before Winter sets in, cover the beds 
with several inches of leaves, straw or other coarse litter, to pre- 
vent severe freezing from injuring the bulbs. In situations ex- 
posed to the wind, a few brush or sticks thrown on will prevent 
its being blown off. Early in the Spring tliis Fall covering should 
be removed. Where beds planted with hardy Sjiring-flowering 
bulbs are required for Summer flowers, Hyacinths, Tulips, etc., 
may be safely taken up to prepare for planting the comirg Fall, as 
early as two weeks after the flowers have disappeared, provided 
the pi-ecaution of covering the bulbs with soil, to allow the foliage 
to become gradually ripened, is observed. 

Taking- up Plants in tlie Fall.— Many kinds of bedding 
plants, such as Geraniums, Veronicas, Stocks, Salvias, Ageratums, 
Roses, Carnations, etc. can be taken up from the flower-beds at the 
approach of frosts, and transferred into pots, or even packed thickly 
in boxes of soil, for use another year, by taking care to have some 
earth adhering to the roots, and by keeping in a rather dry and cool 
cellar, or in a good cold pit through the Winter. It must, however, 
be done at the sacrifice of much autumnal beauty, as all such plants 
should receive when lifted a severe cutting back of at least one- 
third or one-half of the shoots. But this is gain after all, for 
plants like these kept over, in most cases, make a better show 
the next year than the plants of the present season's striking. 
Give the jjlants one thorough watering when potted ; after which 



34 THE HOME FLORIST. 

they shoukl lie kept rather dry till Spring, when, after new growth 
coinniences, water may be given every few days apart in increased 
quantities as thej' commence making a new growth, 

Cold Pits for Winter Protection.— A cold pit, made by 
excavating the soil in some dry spot in the garden, to the depth 
of two feet and upwards, and of a size suitable to be covered with 
glass sash, forms one of the most inexpensive and efficient ajj})li- 
ances that can be introduced into the flower garden. It will 
answer the purpose of wintering tender Roses, Carnations, and 
many other plants, much better than a cellar, especially if the 
latter is too dark, too damp or too warm. A pit also provides 
the means for keeping up a sviccession of flowers of Alba Fimbriata 
and other Pinks, Roses, Deutzia, Iberis, Violets, Lily of the Val- 
ley, etc. , during the Winter in the house or conservatorj% by care- 
fully taking these up from the garden, and after potting, storing 
them in the cold pit, until thej' are brought into the heat and bet- 
ter light, which may be done at intervals during the "Winter and 
Spring. Indeed, a conservatory can liardly be considered com- 
pletely equipped without a cold pit near at hand to serve this 
purpose. Tl:e sash used to cover the pit may be similar to those 
made for hot-beds, an ordinary size being six feet long, by three 
and one-half feet wide. The sides against the soil should be 
■boarded up or walled up with brick or stone, which should run a 
foot above the surface at the rear, and nine inches above it oa the 
front side, the top of the end walls having a regular slope from 
rear to front, and all finished to give support to the sash. Bank 
up the part of the wall that projects above the surface, and scat- 
ter an inch or two of coal ashes or gravel in the bottom of the 
pit, on which to jjlace the plants. About all the attention a i)it 
requires after the plants are in, is to ventilate when the weather 
will allow, and to cover the glass with shutters or mats of straw 
or other material, sufficient to keep out hard frost in severe cold 
weather. Aside from one thorough watering when the plants 
are potted, water should be sparingly given to them during tlie 
Winter, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 35 



PROPAGATION. 

Many plants that do not bear seed freely, or which cannot bo 
increased by division of the roots, are best propagated from cut- 
tings or layeis of the young growing shoots. The tiorist finds 
propagation from cuttings about the only practical means of in- 
creasing the majority of that class of plants commonly known 
as green-house and bedding plants, in which may be included such 
valuable house plants as Tender Roses, Geraniums, Fuchsias, Car- 
nations, Heliotropes and many others of equal importance as out- 
door decorative plants. As the two methods here alluded to are 
quite distinct, I shall treat each separately, commencing with 
that of propagating from cuttings, as this is the more commonly 
employed of the two. 

The principal conditions essential to propagation from cuttings 
are nearly the same with all plants susceptible of being thus per- 
l)etuated. These are first, the proper condition of the cutting : 
second, that it be rightly pruned before putting in ; third, that 
it receive suitable ti-eatment while rooting ; and fourth, that after 
it is rooted the transplanting from the cutting-box or bed to soil be 
done at the right time, and then finally, that it be properly at- 
tended until it becomes a well-established plant. 

With the generality of kinds the ends of newly formed shoots 
make the best cuttings, and are much better than old hardened 
growth. There is a certain time and condition in the growth of 
plant shoots in which, if a cutting be taken, it will sti'ike root and 
make a plant better than at any other time. To ascertain this con- 
dition, and how far back it extends from the growing terminal bud, 
let us bear in mind that there are different degrees of hardness 
present in the wood — the yougest part being the softest, while to- 
ward the base of the shoot it is likely quite hard and fibrous. By 
taking a cutting off, down in this hardened portion of the shoot, 
it would be found to root slowly, and in some plants not at all, and 
at best would make a plant of inferior quality ; while with adopt- 
ing the opposite extreme, making a short cutting of the succulent 
young growth only, it would be still less likely to root, if not 
quickly decay. Now the right place to cut the shoot is at the 
furthest point in from the end where it is somewhat hardened, 



36 



THE HOMK FLORIST. 




and yet sufficiently brittle to snap off with a clean break instead 
of bending without breaking, or parting with a rough break with 
the fibers of the bark protruding. Practice will demonstrate that 
in the difference of one joint there is considerable variation in tlie 
hardness of the growth ; it is always better to break or cut at a 
point which is rather soft than at one that has become too hard. 
A little experience will put tlie careful operator in the way of de- 
termiug the right place with scarcely a failure. 

To rightly prune or trim a cutting recjuires that the superfluous 
leaves be removed, and that tlie base be cut away with a sliarp 
knife. Cuttings of some plants will callus and form roots at the 
base, no matter wlietlier it be just be- 
low a leaf joint or not, while 
others seem to root best from the leaf 
joints, and these should accordingly 
^r>bo cut off just here. It would be 
(best, perhaps, for amateurs to cut all 
just below a joint, as with limited ex- 
perience they have little o[)portunity for 
assertaining which varieties do, and 
which do not, re<iuire it. Fig 17 repre- 
sents a Geraniuna shoot as taken from 
a cutting ready for striking made 
from it. A point below the fourth leaf, counting from 
above, was found right for cutting, and here the cut was made 
close up to the joint The fourth leaf was removed, and 
also parts of the largest remaining leaves were nipped off 
to admit air and light to the cuttings, where many are put in 
close together. This cutting away the tips is well witli all varie- 
ties liaving large leaves, as it also prevents an unnecessary absorp- 
tion of moisture from the material in wliich the cutting is placed 
to root. 

Clean sand is the best material in which to strike cuttings. 
Whether placed in a propagating house where, in cold weather, 
the sand may be heated from below to be fifteen degrees warmer 
than the air in the house, or in a box or pan, it should be about 
three inches deej), and be underlaid by broken pots or other 
material for drainage. According to their size, cuttings are put 
into the sand at various depths and distances apart, from an inch 
for long-jointed ones to a third or iialf inch for small ones, and 
at such a distance that the leaf points just touch. Water thoroughly 



Fig. 17. Branch and 

Cutting of Geranium. 

the plant, and also 



THE HOME FLORIST. 37 

when the cuttings are first set, and then daily oi* every other 
day as they require it, only guarding against allowing the surface 
to become dry. Outside of a regular proj^agatiug bed, a bright, 
sunny place in the window, where some air can be admitted, is 
the best place for the cuttings, but whenever the sun shines shade 
with paper. 

From one to three or four weeks is the usual time required for 
cuttings to root, depending vipon the condition of the cutting or on 
tlie kinds, some rooting much sooner than others. It is better to 
pot them off as soon as the roots can be seen than to wait until 
they become an inch or two long, which endangers their being 
broken off. Their state may be easily ascertained wliiie they are 
yet in the sand by drawing some out for examination, which 
can be replaced again. The callusing process always directly pre- 
cedes the formation of roots, this being an irregular growth 
which forms upon the base or along the side of a cutting, and 
its presence is a healthy sign that roots will quickly aji^jear. Af- 
ter potting off, much the same care should be given the cuttings 
as regards shading and watering, as they received in the cutting 
bed, for the length of a week, or until the roots have started new 
growth in the soil. Never put the most common plant in a dirty 
pot. Never fill a pot so lull of soil but that it may receive and 
hold water enough to go through; every pot should have half an 
inch or more of vacancy above the soil. 

Some plants, like Carnations, Roses and many of the hardy 
shrubs and vines are best propagated by layering, especially if 
there is no convenience v f a green-house propagating bed at hand. 
Layering consists in bending a growing branch into a depression 

at the side of the plant, covering it 
with soil to induce rooting, and allow- 
ing the growing extremity to extend 
out of the soil to form a new plant. 
• iig. 18 represents a Carnation I)ranch 
prepared for layering. In preparing 
the layer, at the lowest pomt of the 
bend an oblique cut is made from the 
under side, about half or two-thirds 
Fig. 18. Layering the way through the branch. This is 
Carnation. done for the purpose of preventing 

the free return of the sap to the plant which tends to the forma- 
tion of roots. To keep the layer in place it should be pegged down 




38 THE HOME FLORIST. 

as shown in tlie cut. A small bit of wood or other substance 
sliouUl also Ije inserted in the cut to keep it from fijrowing together. 
The separation from the parent plant is not effected until the layer 
is sufficiently i)rovided with roots, which will usually be in from 
six to twelve weeks, although layers of some hard-wooded plants 
recjuire a year or two to become rooted, but these are rarely in the 
line of plants which amateurs i)ropagate. 

The "saucer" system of propagating cuttings is an excellent 
one for amateurs. It consists of placing these close together 
in a saucer or dish containing several inches of sand, and 
then keeping the sand thoroughly saturated with water until 
the cuttings are rooted. There is no need of shading the cuttings 
from the sun, and tlie saucers may be kept constantly in the sun- 
light, provided sufficient water is at all times present. 

HANGING BASKETS AND GARDEN 
VASES. 

The plants of drooping, trailing and climbing habits are always 
interesting and attractive, if planted where their peculiar growth 
can be accommodated. The proper place for these is found 
in hanging baskets, garden vases, window boxes, etc., and 
these with judicious planting, form very effective means of 
adornment. Hanging baskets are indeed very popular, be- 
cause they are so easily given a place, even about houses 
that afford no room for a flower garden, accommodating them- 
elves to positions like under a piazza or tree, or a trellis on 
the side of a house, or in front of a window, and thus enabling 
thousands of plant admirei-s to possess a luxuriant growth of 
plants and flowers, who but for them would be deprived of tlie 
pleasure. Another recommendatit)n for the hanging basket is its 
slight cost, which, indeed, need be^evy little aside from the cost 
of necessary ])lants, where a jiei-son i)ossesses any skill at construc- 
tion. A piece of strong wire, shaped and fastened into a circle, 
and several yards of lighter wire attached to it and woven into a 
sort of basket or dish-shaped structure, which, with being moss- 
lined, will answer for holding soil, is all that is necessary for pro- 
ducing the most beautiful eff'ect. The manufactured earthern 
hanging i)ots, rustic and wire baskets, if of tasty design, are beau- 
tiful for this purpose, but where their expense might be an objection , 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



39 



such a liouie-made basket will do quite as well and is pre- 
ferred b}' most people. Those who are unacquainted with plants in 
selecting some for this purpose should discriminate between droopers 
and climbers, and the upright growing plants which are to be used 
as the body of the display, such as Begonia, Centaurea, Geranium, 




Fig. 19. A Hanging Basket of Plants. 
Cuphea, etc. By carefullj^ reading the descriptions of plants given 
in this work, there will be no need of failure in making a suitable 
selection. I will suggest that it is scarcely possible to stock a 
hanging basket, much less a garden vase, well, with plants grown 
from seed, as every cultivator wl 3 has made the attempt could 
testify. The trouble is, that seed-grown plants cannot be reared 
strong enough by Spring to make any show; and are not perma- 
nent enough in the attractiveness of individual plants ; besides, 
only a few are strictly suitable. Sweet Alyssum, Thunbergia, 
Petunia and Maurandia being the best that can be recommended 
and for this purpose the seeds should be sown very early. 



40 THE HOME FLORIST. 



For adorning the lawn or the garden, nothing can be finer than 
a vase of diaste design, of iron, stone or earthenware, planted 
with droopers at the edge, and Geraniums, Helioti'<)i)es, Fuchsias, 
Caladiuins, Cannas, or other attractive flowering and showy 
plants ill the centre. Vases if made of iron, are usually some- 
wliat costly, Imt by removing them into a shed or outluaise at the 
approach of Winter they may do service for a lifetime, on which 
account they do not j)rove so expensive after all. Many people 
prefer a rustic vase and these need not l)e costly to most persons, 
as they are readily made with the use of a few tools, from material 
jirocurcd from the woods. 

Maiiajjoineut. — The management of vases and lianging 
baskets and window boxes is nearly identical. I desire to im- 
])ress upon the minds of those who have their care in hand, the 
importance of supplying them with an abundance of water as 
needed. Es])ecially during hot weather water should be given to 
them in sutticient quantity to thovoiKjliJy vioi.stcn every portion of 
soil every time it is recpiired, and this indiy weather will be pretty 
often. Tliis is about -the only matter in which vases and baskets 
need attention after they are once established, and the difference 
between their being well grown or poorly grown, nine times out 
of ten, may be directly ascribed to the amount of attention or ne- 
glect they receive iii this respect. (Temperature 82% 45°, 80°, ex- 
cept where noted or elsewhere described), tiee Temperatxire , un- 
der head of Plant Culture in and about the House. 

TRAILERS FOR BASKETS, VASES, TRELLISES. ETC. 
Alternantheras. See descriiJtion of varieties in general Ust of 

plants. 
Coliseum Ivy, a rapid growing drooper, forming a dense mass of 

long, dark green foliage. 
Deeringia varieyata, a beautiful variegated plant of climbing 

habit. (:55°. 50% 80%) 
FiCH.s" jr^x'JJ.s, an admirable plant for baskets, etc.. having small, 
almost round leaves, and wiry stems; distinct and beautiful. 
(40% 50% 80°,) 
Gazanias. See description of varieties in general list of plants. 
Geraniums. See descripi-ion of Ivy-leaf section in special article. 
German Ivy (Senecio Mikanoides), not an ivy at all, but st)-called 
l)ecause of its ivy-shaped leaves; one of our most rapid grow- 
ing rliml)ers, always healthy, beautiful and attractive; very 
desirable. (33% 45% 75%) 



THE HOME FLORIST. 4I 



Isolepsis gracilis, one of the grasses, forming a dense plant of 
gracefully-drooping round blades of lively green color, each 
bearing a small tuft-like bud at its end. (35°, 50°, 90".) 

Ivies. See description of varieties in the article on Ivies. 

Lobelias, exceedingly valuable droopers; see description of varie- 
ties in general list of plants. 

Lonicera aiu-ea reticulata, a pretty climber; the foliage is dis- 
tinctly netted with gold up(in green; very desirable for trelUs 
culture; the root is hardy, with slight iwotection. 

Lophosphernum scandens, a climber, with attractive heart-shaped 
foliage. (34°, 50°, 80°.) 

Madeira Vine, well-known as an excellent climber for both Sum- 
mer and Winter culture, with beautiful thick, glossy foliage; 
excellent to train up the window and for trellis; a tuberous 
plant, very easily grown. The dry tuber should be kept in a 
warm, dry place in Winter. (For forcing, 35'^', 50", 90°.) 

Mahernia odorata, a beautiful plant, with finely-cut foliage, cov- 
ered in Sjmng with very many sweet-scented, bi'ight yellow 
flowers of bell shape; excellent in pots. (34", 50°, 75°.) 

Maurandia Barclayana, a superb climber of rapid, dense growth, 
producing many flowers of fox-glove shape; among the best 
of plants for covering trellises in the open ground. It is 
readily grown from seed, which should be sown early. (34°, 
50°, 75°.) 

Mesembryanthemums. See description of varieties in general list 
of plants. 

Mimulus moschatus, the Musk Plant, the leaves of which emit 
a genuine, yet delicate, musky odor; of compact, drooping 
habit; very attractive as a pot plant. It can be propagated 
either from seed, cuttings, or by division of the roots in the 
Spring. The plant may be kept in a half dormant state dur- 
ing Winter. (This and the following one, 34°, 45°, 89°.) 

Mivndus triginoides, a variety producing exceedingly beautiful 
golden and orange flowers of tubular shape, with the richest 
maroon spots and blotches. Both delight in moisture. 

Moneyvine (Lysimachia nummelaria), one of our most valuable 
droopers; has handsome, dark green, chain-like foliage; its 
rapid growing shoots will fall over the edge of a vase or bas- 
ket, and grow to the length of three or more feet; flowers 
beautifully in June. 



42 THE HOME FLORIST. 



Moneyvine, Golden (L. nuininelaria aurea). This is a variety 
(juite similar to the above, in form of foliap^e and habit, imt 
the color of the leaves is nearly golden yellow; not so rai)id a 
grower. 

Poa trivalis, another fine grass, with narrow white and green 
variegated leaves. (40^ 60°, 80°.) 

Saxifraga sannentosa (Strawberry Geranium), a running straw- 
berry-like plant of curious and interesting growth, with striped 
and mottled foliage. 

Torrenia Asiatica, a pretty drooping plant; will not bear much 
cold; flowers blue, of lovely tint and shape, and extremely 
beautiful; excellent for pot culture in a warm place. (40", 
60', 80°.) 

Tradescantia Vulgaris (Joint Plant —Wandering Jew), an old- 
fashioned drooper of the easiest culture, with beautiful dark 
glossy foliage. It is quite certain of giving satisfaction. 

Tradescantia repens vittata. The leaves variegated, as shown 
in the engraving; are of a clear, waxy white and whitish yel- 
low color, on bright, glossy green ground. Like all Trade- 
scantias, it is particularly recommendable for home cultiva- 
tion, either in baskets or pots, as it will thrive in a tempera- 
ture either high or low, in a moist or dry atmosphere, and is 
not at all particular as regards light, in this respect being al- 
most equal to the Ivy. 

Tradescantia zebrina, a variety with finely-striped green and 
reddish leaves. 

Variegated Thyme, very desirable as a drooper and bedder, the 
foliage being distinctly variegated. 

Vinca minor variegata, one of the best and most attractive droop- 
~ers in cultivation; the leaves are from one to two inches in 
diameter, and distinctly variegated ; a rapid grower. 
Other j)lants suitable for hanging baskets, vases, etc., are de- 
scribed throughout the general list. 

PLANT CULTURE IN AND ABOUT THE 
HOUSE. 

There are many persons so restricted in their surroundings as re- 
gards room for flower growing that they liave to (Hmtent them- 
selves with cultivating plants only in and about the house, con- 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



43 



verting a sunny or bay window into plant quarters in Winter, and 
moving their plants under the veranda, or into the open air when 
warm weather approaches. This, with the planting of outside 
windo^v boxes in Summer, the growing of hanging baskets, Fern- 
eries, or Wardian cases, and Ivies for permanent, are about the 
limit to which they dan indulge in plant decorations. It is, how- 
ever, a pleasure to know that even under such circumstances it is 
not a very difficult matter, by going about it rightly, to have a 
beautiful show of jilants and flowers continually throughout the 
year, without any great outlay of trouble and expense. 

Open-Air Window Boxes. — Fig. 21 is an illustration of 

the use of Open-Air 
Window Boxes as a 
ready means of grow- 
ing plants and flowers, 
and which is adapted 
for ornamenting the 
wmdows of anj^ room, 
either inside or out, be 
it in the first or fifth 
story of a building, as 
many rooms in the cities 
are. These are simply 
boxes made to fit the 
window casing or sill, 
and planted with Scar- 
let Geranium, Mignon- 
ette, the pretty blue 
Lobelia, Verbena.Roses, 
and in fact aViout all 
kinds of plants suitable 
for the open air. Morn- 
ing Glory, Ivy, Madeira 
Vine, or other climbers 
are suitable for plant- 
ing at the ends of such 
boxes to be trained on 
wkes up and around 




Fig. 31. Open-Air Window Box. 
the windows. 



44 THE HOME FLORIST. 



Plant Culture in AVinter.— To learn what can be done at 
plant forcing iu winter, under favorable circumstances, it is only 
necessary to see the large crops of flowers that are daily tait, and 
also tlie beautiful foliage plants grown at this season, in the com- 
mercial greenliouses. I would not encourage the thouglit tliat 
]thiiits can be grown as well in the dwelling as in the florist's well- 
apjiointed structures, yet very satisfac-tory results caii be obtained 
here by nearly every one if only the matter is properly entered 
up(jn and executed. Sometimes those whose efforts in growing 
flowers in the open air are well rewarded, find disajjpointment at- 
tending similar undertakings in the Winter to their surprise. No 
doubt the cause of this lies more frequently in the fact that the 
necessary coui-se of treatment is not sufficiently understood, than 
that the conditions of light, heat, etc., which the dwelling affords, 
are unfavorable to i)lant life. Such conditions have their infiu- 
ence surely, but, then, the adaptability of plants is so varied, that 
at least a number of varieties may be found wliich will thrive un- 
der any circumstances that are likely to exist in our dwellings. 
Under the head of "Open-Air Floriculture" are given directions 
for preparing plants for Winter flowering. 

The Winter Quarters. — Next to a conservatory, built ex- 
pressly for plants, a bay window, off from the living-room, and 
from which it will receive sufficient warmth, is the best place for 
cultivating plants in Winter, although a window facing east, 
south, or west, answers the purpose very well. Should we be 
even less fortunate and have only windows with a northern ex- 
posure, and no sun in Winter, there is no need of being entirely 
deprived of the beauty of i)lants and flowers, because the Ivies, 
Begonias, Euonymus, Callas, Tradescantias, Achryanthes, etc., 
and, perhaps, most important of all, the entire list of Hardy 
Bulbs, all of which will readily dispense with direct sunlight, will 
thrive beautifully here with fair conditions of lieat, air and moist- 
ure. But these last named things are essential to plant growth 
under any other circumstances as well. 

Temperature, Selection of Plants, Protection, etc. 

— The amateur, who, fortlie first time might want to engage in 
plant culture in the window, would naturally ask, what plants 
can best be grown in my house ? The answer to this (piestion is 
not a very difficult one to arrive at in each c-ase, ]>rovided first, tJiat 
the temperature which can be maintained in the plant quarters to bt. 




Tea Rose White Bon Silene 



46 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



is known, and then also the degrees of temperature which the vari- 
ous j)lants suited to Winter culture will best thrive in respectively, 
Recall to your mind the lowest temperature of previous seasons, 
as indicated by the thermometer, or if you were without tliis al- 
most indispensal)le instrument to the plant grower, recollect 
whether it ever fell to 32"— the freezing point— and allow this 
knowledge to guide you as to the lowest extreme. Now for guid- 
ance in making selections suited to your temperature, observe the 
figures and <legrees in parenthesis which have been placed in con- 
nection with the names of all the plants described throughout 
this work as suitable for window culture. These figures indicate 
the extremes of temjJerature that every plant described will bear, 
and also the intermediate degree most congenial to its growth as 
a night temperature. To render this more clear, let us take as an 
instance the Alnitilons. described on the 125th page. The descrip- 
tions and cultural directions of this family are preceded by (33. 
45, 85°), which indicates that the plants will bear a temperature 
of 33° as one extreme and 85° as the othei-, for some time without 
injury, while 45° is best suited to the plant as a night tempera- 
ture; ten to twenty-five degrees above this is to be considered 
nearest right for their growth in the daytime. 
It should be understood in this connection that plants can be 
safely kept through several additional 
degrees of cold than indicated by the 
fii'st temperature figure (lowest extreme) 
by protection, and it is safe to calculate 
somewhat on this for the few excessively 
severe nights of each Winter, by giving 
the more tender ones especial care at siuh 
times. Simply pinning several thick- 
nesses of newspaper over a plant, as 
sliown in the annexed cut, would pro- 
tect it sufficiently for remaining a num- 
ber of hours in a temperature from five 
to ten degrees lower than it would other- 
wise bear. Ordinarily where danger 
from frost is apprehended frotn leaving 
plants next to the window, tliey can be 
romoved to the middle or further side of the room, which is sure 
to be several degrees warmer. By setting them close together it 
is easy to protect the lot by spreading newspapers on them and 




Fig. 22. Protection. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 4/ 

throwing a blanket over all. It really does not seem necessary 
to mention that to correct too high a temperature in the plant 
quarters air should be admitted from the outside. 

Tho various varieties of the Ivy family possess so many desira- 
ble qualities as house jilants, thriving under such widely varying 
conditions, that they are recommended to all cultivators as a class 
with whicli failure is scarcely jjossible. 

Indoor Plant Management. — Airing.— As often as the 
weather, from its mildness, will allow of introducing air among 
the plants from the outside, it should be done, but be careful to 
avoid a strong, direct draft of wind upon them. Cold air strik- 
ing on Roses is the common cause of mildew. Maintain a tem- 
perature as nearly uniform as possible, endeavoring to keep it at 
a degree best suited to the majoritj^of the jjlants in the collection, 
being guided in this respect by the figures in parenthesis which 
accompany the descriptions of plants. 

Moisiure and Watering. — One difficulty amateurs have to con- 
tend with in growing plants in the living room — especially if heat- 
ed with anthracite coal stoves and furnaces— is dryness of the 
atmosphere. This can in a measure be obviated by nailing a nar- 
row strip of board on the front and back edges of the plant-stand 
shelves, or false bottom of the window sill, and filling up with 
three-fourths of an inch of sand, upon which the pots are to be 
placed; keeping the sand quite wet. Tlie moisture escaping coun- 
teracts the drj-nefs of the air. It will improve appearance s to 
cover the surface between the pots with n oss. Sprinkle the foliage 
of all growing plants occasionally, and whenever the surface of 
the earth shows signs of dryness, water so that the soil is sat- 
urated and no more. Too much water passing through impov- 
erishes the soil and does the plant no good. As a rule, in the Win- 
ter, do not allow water to stand in the saucers continually, as it 
tends to sour the earth. 

Insects. — If any plants become infested with Aphis or Green- 
fly, take a handful of tobacco stems, steep in water until it looks 
like strong tea, and wash the affected foliage, or else fumigate 
the plants by burning tobacco stems in a close apartment or even 
a large box in which they have been placed. The presence of the 
minute Red Spider on the underside of the leaves of plants, and 
causing them to turn brown, indicates too try an atmosphere 
where they are. Any plants affected should, several times daily, 
receive a thorough sprinkling or washing with water. Mealy 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Sunset. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 49 



Bug and Scale, if they appear, may be exterminated by washing 
and brushing the affected part of the plant with warm soapsuds. 
To remove Angle Worvis, plants should be tapped out of the pots 
and the worms picked from the ball of earth. 

Improving" Plants by Prnning-. — "How shall I grow 
my plants compact and symmetrical in form ? " is a question 
frequently asked by amateur florists. It is a simple matter, and 
is accomplished by judcious pruning and cutting. In nearly all 
flowering plants, exce;")ting those grown from bulbs, also in 
trees and shrubs, buds are formed at the axis of the leaves 
along the stem or branches, while the growth usually proceeds 
from its termination. This, in tender perennial plants, if not 
checked, continues to grow, and may cause a tall or unshapely 
form, but by cutting off at any point, or pinching out the termi- 
nal buds, new shoots start out at the leaf-joints below the cut, 
or if already started, commence to grow with increased vigor, 
and will, in due time, result in a better-shaped and more bushy 
plant or branch. Pruning or pinching should be more generally 
resorted to than it is, for, by observing the princijile of growth 
alluded to, and varying the pruning to the habit of the kind, 
it is just as easy to have your plants, either in the house, con- 
servatory or garden, of fine form, as to have them otherwise, 
and they are so much more rewarding and agreeable to work 
among. Little danger exists of cutting away too much; persons 
who resort to pruning frequently eir in cutting too little. Old 
plants with long, leafless branches may be entirely reshaped by 
severe pruning. 

Keep the Plants Clean. — To be healthy a plant must 
have clean foliage, and it is necessary to go over the window col- 
lection occasionally, and wash the leaves by the use of a sponge, 
otherwise, with the dust from the room accumulating upon them, 
they will in time receive injury. It is a capital plan to throw a 
sheet of cloth over the plants when sweeping and until after the 
dust has settled, but even then an occasional sponging is useful. 
In the case of bay windows, glass doors or curtains should be 
provided, which can be closed during sweeping. 

Convenient Fertilizers for Pot Plants. — The gar- 
gardener who would derive profitable returns from his land for 
years in succession, learns the need of providing the soil with an 
equivalent in fertilizing matter — plant food — for each crop that 



50 THE HOME florist. 

has been taken from it. In this is involved a principle that will 
ai)ply to any kind of Imsbandry, and as well to plant culture in 
pots as in the open ground. "Witli the treatment young, tlirifty 
plants receive of being rei)otted occasionally as their growth ad- 
vances, and each time receiving a belt or layer of new fertile 
earth, the principle we have referred to may appear and to an 
extent is exceptional while this goes on. But as plants attain 
considerable size, it is well not to shift them so frequently as 
when small; one reason being that the smaller the pots can be 
kept, the more conveniently they are managed, and then the 
plants should receive some artificial stimulant at times. It may 
be said also tluit generally, it is better to keep all plants in the small- 
est pots that will answer for them, and such a course also neces- 
sitates providing the soil with fertilizing matter of some kind as 
plant food. Some suitable article in a concentrated or liquid 
form, is most convenient to apply, but it must be done with cau- 
tion by the inexperienced cultivator, else it may be too strong, or 
ir given in an overdose, injurj- to the plants result. For general 
porposes a garden shovelful of rotten cow or horse manure — that 
taken from an old hot-bed is excellent — put in a barrel of water 
and stirred up with a stick, and then left to settle before apply- 
ing to the i^lants, will have a good effect upon their growtli if ap- 
plied freely, and it will not be strong enough to injure them. I 
hardly care to encoin-age the use of liquid manure made from 
guano, except by skillful hands. It is usually prepared in the 
proi)ortion of one large tablespoonful to one gallon of hot water, 
and slirred until it is dissolved. This maybe applied once a week, 
taking care not to toucli the i)lant or leaves. Hen manure may 
be substituted and used in about the same (juantity. A safelitpiid 
fertilizer is obtained by dissolving a tablespoonful of prepared 
bone, ground sufficiently fine to be soluble, in a gallon of warm 
water. This may be applied in sufficient quantitj' to soak the en- 
tire ball of earth, and will have a remarkable effect upon plant 
growth. 

An excellent li(|uid fertilizer, for Roses in pots maybe jm^pared 
by dissolving a tablespoonful of soot in twocpiarts of warm water. 
By giving the plants a small ]K)rtion of this each week they will 
make rapid advances. A solution of ammonia, made by dissolv- 
ing a | ounce of the crystal in two gallons of water, will imimive 
the growtli of plants if freely ai)plied. One distinction Iwtween 
rain water and wa-.er obtained from wells is tlie presence of a 



THE HOME FLORIST. 5 I 

small quantity of ammonia in the former, which maj^ be taken 
as an explanation for the usually accepted belief, that rain water 
is better for plants than that drawn from wells or springs. 

Hcvv to Treat Frozen Plants. — The disastrous effects 
which tender plants that have become frozen are subject to is 
generally known to cultivators; but how or why freezing pro- 
duces the effect it does upon plant life is not so well known. In 
practice it is found, that the length of time, and the degree 
of cold to Avhich plants are exposed, affect them in proportion to 
the duration and intensity of these conditions, which points, 
therefore, to the speedy restoration of a suitable temperature as 
the best means of restoring plants that have been unfortunately 
exposed to frosts. But the thawing out should, in all cases, be 
gi'adual, and one of tlie best things to do when plants have be- 
come frozen, either in the dwelling, conservatory or in the open 
air, is to sprinkle the foliage with cold cistern or well water, as 
the temperature turns to rise. In the dwelling or conservatory, 
however, it will be necessary to start the fire in the stove, fur- 
nace or flue the first thing of all, to give the temperature an as- 
cendency, but it should for several hours not be allowed to rise 
above an ordinary suitable degree. Some advocate shading the 
plants fronr the sun and light for some length of time, but the 
policy of so doing has never been apparent to me, while I have 
frequently had strong proofs to the contrary; that, the sun's rays 
striking upon the plants with gradually increasing heat, in a great 
measure aids their recovery. There is a great difference in 
plants, as regards their ability to resist cold, and while some the 
slightest frosts will injure beyond cure, others will bear various 
degrees, and CA'en alternative freezing and thawing again and 
again with impunity . Avoid handling plants in a frozen condi- 
tion as much as possible, as the injurj' to them will be heightened 
should the leaves become bent or be roughly brushed over. To re- 
store flowers that have become frozen, place them in cold Avater 
until they have thawed out. 

Ferneries or Wardian Cases. — Lovers of plants and 
flowers should not overlook the advantages presented by these novel 
and successful appliances, for growing plants in ^the dwelling at 
any time, but particularly in the Winter. Drj^ness of atmos- 
phere and dust are among the detrimental influences which we 
meet in Winter plant culture, but by adoptmg the Wardian case 



52 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



principle of growing- plants, these 
are entirely avoided, and, instead, 
a uniforndy moist atniospliere is 
gained, which is altoj^ctlier con- 
genial to i)lant groNvtli, no matter 
how dry the air outside in the 
drawing-room or parlor may be. 
A glass case or shade is the jjrin- 
cijial agent emi)loyed. This is 
placed over plants gi-owing in a 
vase or stand, to which it is fit- 
^^^^^ ted, and completely surrounding 
.^ them. The glass retains the mois- 
ture of the atm()si)here, and con- 
'^ "" -zz=--— gfajj^iy returns it to the bed, thus 

Round Fernery. also making frequent watering 
umiecessary. Usually plants with striking foliage are employed 
iu Feniery culture, the Ferns and Lyco])()diums being especially 
prized for the purpose, aUhough all mentioned fortius purpose 
in the descriptions, including the flowering Begonias, are (juite 
suitable. After planting the Fernery, the only care necessary to 
its managenaent is to prop up the glass on one side, or entirely 
remove it for a short time daily after tlie morning dusting, and to 
pick out all decaying flowers and foliage. Water should be given 
only when the smface of the soil becomes dry, ^\•luch will not be 
often. 




Fig. 



Culture of Bulbs in Glasses, etc.— Taking ad vantage of 
the peculiarity of theDutcli bulbs to grow and flower freely in any 
medium capable of retaining moisture, we find it easj-, witli a 
little forethouglit, to have a profusion of bloom in the house or 
conservatory during the "Winter, and the presence of their brilliant 
colors among the various pot plants is very desirable for adding 
to the attractiveness of collections. "Whether bulbs are grown 
in glasses of water or in pots, vases or other holders, they should, 
to make a complete success of the undertaking, be removed after 
planting, to a cellar, or a cool, dark place, to remain six or eight 
weeks, for the purpose of causing a growth of roots before the 
leaves and flower steins start up. From here they can be brought 
directly into the ])arlor or conservatory where tliey are tt) flower. 
Tlie difference of a week or two between the periods of starting 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



53 



^vill produce a corres- 
ponding difference in 
the periods of bloom. 
When growing Hya- 
cinths or Crocus in the 
glasses made for the 
purpose, see that the 
base of the bulli, only, 
touches the water; also, 
after admitting to the 
light, the water should 
be changed occasion- 
ally. In pot, box or 
vase culture, bulbs 
should be planted one- 
third or one-half of 
their heights in the soil 
or otlier material em- 
ployed, moderately 
pressing the same 
around the bulb and 
applying enough water 
to soak thoroughly be- 
fore placing into the 
dark as above alluded 
to. Bulbous plants of 
any kind should never 
1 e allowed to suffer for 
Fig. 23. Square Fernery, lack of water while in 

a growing state. A very good course to pursue in managing bulbs 
in glasses, is by first starting them in clean sand in some cool place, 
and after they have become well rooted, transferring them to the 
glasses, first washing all sand from the roots. Dark colored glasses 
are pref eralile to clear ones for bulb culture. Any attenij^t at forc- 
ing the hardy bulbs will be quite certain of being attended with suc- 
cessful results. The flowers will develope most beautifully in a 
rather cool place, but where the theremometer never reaches a 
freezing point, for, although a slight freeze will not destroy them, 
it will lessen the beauty of the flowers. 




54 THE HOME FLORIST. 

Do Plants Poison the Air We Breathe— There is 

a notion souiewhat prevalent that growing })huitK in rooms are 
detrimental to a healthy atmosphere hy their giving out poison- 
ous carbonic acid gas in the night time It has been demonstrated 
that growing plants do exhale an almost impercejjtible quantity of 
carbonic acid gas, which, in A-ery small proportions, is necessary 
in the air we breathe. But it is also shown that the quantity ex- 
haled at night is but the one-sixteenth ]jart of what the same 
plants absorb from the atmosphere during the day, and convert 
into nearly its own weight of oxygen, thus rendering a poisonous 
gas, that derives its origin from various sources, into one of the 
principal elements of pure air. 

If carbonic acid gas is emitted from plants in dangerous 
quantities, it certainly would exist largely in the night atmosphere 
of a close greenhouse heated to a tropical temperature, and crowded 
from floor to rafter with the rank vegetation of thousands of jjlants. 
Yet, no florist, to my knowledge, has ever found the slighest ill ef- 
fects to attend night work in greenhouses, or even from making the 
warm houses sleeping quarters of a night, or for an entii'e win- 
ter, practical ])roofs that the notion is a fallacy. The fact that per- 
haps no healthier class of men can be found any where than green • 
house operators, who work constantly in an atmosphere where 
l)lants are growing, wovild go to show that living plants exert 
altogether a very beneficial influence upon the ah* we breathe. 




THE HOME FLORIST. 



55 




Fig. 35. 



THE AMATEUR'S CONSERVATORY. 



A well-managed Plant Conservatory opening from the living 
room, and accessible at all times, is perhaps, the most beautiful 
and ever-changing source of recreation that can be introduced 
in connection with the home, and in consideration of the attrac- 
tive features it possesses is comparatively an inexpensive source 
of gratification, particularly if the duties connected with its 
management are discharged by the patrons of its innumerable 
stores of interest. 

The subject of conservatories for amateurs in America is, at 



56 THE HOME FLORIST. 

the present time, comparatively new and undeveloped. This is 
especially true outside of our large cities, and doubtless many 
have given the subject of possessing one some consideration, 
only to finally drop it in the belief that, liowever desirable one 
might be, its erection for a moderate amount, and the after 
management of it, would for them be out of the question. 

It is my desire to jiresent sucli facts and suggestions relative to 
building, stocking and managing home conservatories as my ex- 
perience jiuiuts out as being applicable to the wants of amateur 
florists, hoping by these means to remove erroneous impressions, 
and enable the reader to view the matter in a practical light. 

Utility of a Cousorvatory. — With the erection of a suit- 
able structure, cut flowers for bouquets and other uses can be 
grown almost as well in the winter as in the oj^en gi-oimd in the 
summer, thus affording a continuous season of flowers all the 
year. Besides this, beautiful and rare decorative plants may be 
grown to great perfection, and young plants for the flower gar- 
den, hanging baskets and other purposes can be raised without 
additional exjiense, while vegetable and flower seeds of all kinds 
may be started. Th-ese various last-named items, with the grow- 
ing of flowers, which would otherwise be bought at the florist's 
in winter, might be made to go far towards balancing the ex- 
pense and investment account. Besides, in most small towns, 
where no regular florist is located, or in the rural districts, the 
home conservatory, aside from serving the jiurpose for wliich it 
was mainly intended, might readily be made self-sui)pc.rting, 
and more, if those who have the management in hand would de- 
sire to engage in growing a stock of plants and some extra liang- 
ing baskets, and offering then\ for sale at a reasonable price. 
They would be surprised to see how eagerly neighbors and friends 
would purchase all their surplus in the si)ring, when the j)lants 
would be in full flower. And were more cut flowers and foliage 
grown, than would be needed at home by letting it be known, a 
demand could easily be created for tliem at paying prices, to be 
used for decorating at weddings, parties, etc. I make these sug- 
gestions in the belief that in tnousands of localities throughout 
our country pensons miglat combine profit with pleasure in culti- 
vating plants an<l flowers in the conservatory with the most pleas- 
ing results. Ladies and young people, especially, would find this 
a fa.scinating employment for spare moments and one free from 
heavy toil. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



57 




Plans and Approximate 
Cost. — Although conservatories 
that are erected in connection with 
the home may be built in costly 
style, to serve a highly ornamental 
purpose in an architectural senee, I 
u-oulcl by no means have it inferred 
that a good one cannot be erected 
for quite a small sum of money. I 
Fig. 26. End View of a Cheap can call to mind structures of this 
Conservatory. kind, on private places, that have 

cost various figiu-es, from $2,000 or $3,000 each, down to $100 and 
less. One very simple structure in this city, wliich is heated by 
auordinary base-burning coal stove, and in which at all times 
can be seen a fine growth of plants, hanging baskets and flowers, 
has pleased me so much that I have had an engraving made of 
the ground plan of it as shown in figure 27. The building is ten 
by twelve feet, and is seven feet to the rafters at the lower end, 
being a lean-to against a dwelling. The beds or benches are 
two and a half feet high, and nearly 
two feet wide. On the floor at the 
sides and ends of the aquarium, are 
placed tall plants, such as tlie side 
benches will not accommodate. In 
case an aquarium were not wanted, 
a plant bench miglit be built up a^ 



J 



J 



® 



foot or more from the floor in its 
stead. The sides of the house from 



Fig. 27. A Ground Plan- 

A, coal stove; B, a screen placed 



the benches upward are of glass, and ,-^f,J^^|f,^^VnSr well as^ovlr 
the ventilators are fixed in the roof, 't; C, aquarium or plant bench; D, 

^, „ , t p r- plant bench; E water barrel o' 

The rafters SVipport a number ot fine sink; F, entrance from dwelling. 

growing hanging baskets, and altogether the house is quite com- 
plete, and cost the owner, perhaps, inside of $60. 

The large view of a conservatory, Fig. 25, represents a house, 
size sixteen by twenty-four feet, tlvi cost of which would be $700 
and upwards, if heated in the most ap^iroved style, with hot water 
boiler, and one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet of four- 
inch cast iron pipe. The same sized house miglit, however, be built 
in plain, durable style, similar to Fig. 26, for about half that fig- 
ure and be precisely as valuable for plant growing, while by em- 
ploying a cheaper means of heating, which is much used by flor- 



58 



THE home: p^lorist. 



ists, namely, the brick furnace and flue, the cost miglit again be 
lessened $150, wliicli would bring the entii'e cost down to $200, 
and perhaps even less, for what Mould be quite a large-sized 
house. By building of smaller dimensions the cost could be again 
reduced. In a house like the one represented in Fig. 2.7, the ven- 
tilators for admitting fresh air consist of the side sashes, of 
the raised portion of the roof; these are hung by hinges from 
above, and are worked by means of pulleys or rods from the in- 
terior. The roof of Fig. 26 is built more simple, and the ventila- 
tors consist of sashes, which reach either from the plate board to 
the ridge piece, or else a part of this distance, starting from 
the centre f the house. These ventilating sashes by being hinged 
at their lower ends, are raised and lowered b}"^ means of a light 
iron bar eighteen inches long, with holes in, attached to the top 
of the sash, and which is caught on a round nail in the ridge 
piece. Fig. 28 represents the cross section of this house, showing 
the internal aiTangement of the beds and walks, and also tlie 
brick flues for heating, which are under the side beds. The walks 
should be two and a half to three feet wide, and extend from the 
dwelling entrance to the outside door on each side of the middle 
bed. The cross section A shows a bed in a house, heated by two 
four-inch hot water pipes. The brick furnace or the hot water 
boiler for heating miglit in many cases be placed to be fed with 
fuel, from the basement of the dwelling. 

In heating with a hot water boiler and pipes the heat is im- 
parted to the interior by the hot water pipes from the boiler 

lading in one continuous line 
throughout the building, un- 
der the beds, and returning to 
the boiler again. In some 
cases the smoke from the boiler 
might be conduc-ted to the 
chinmey of the dwelling. 
Through these pipes the water 
circulates, continually flowing 
from and returning to the 
^Y^. 2H l)oiler for heat. With furnace 

and flue heating it is different; here the heat is distributed direct- 
ly from the latter, which is built to ])ass nearly around the house, 
under the side beds, with a gradual ascent the entire distance, to 
give draft, opening into a chimney built at the side of the con- 




THE HOME FLORIST. 59 

servatory near the further end. At the outside door it will be 
necessary to cover the pipes or flue with a low platform raised six 
or more inches above them. The sides and ends of a conserva- 
tory, up to the glass, should be built by boarding against the studs 
with matched flooring, the tongue side up, both in and outside; 
by lining with tarred building felt or boards against the studs, 
the structure will be rendered much warmer. After the wood 
work is finished it should receive several coats of paint, white be- 
ing the color generally preferred. 

In a recent nvmiber of the Ohio Farmer, Mr. Milton Mansfield 
gives some excellent points on the construction of small glass 
houses that may be found useful in this place. He says that 
small greenhouses for raising bedding plants, as well as vegeta- 
bles, can be either built with fixed or movable roofs, the latter 
being the better, using sash whicli can be taken off durmg sum- 
mer, when not required. If good white oak posts can be se- 
cured, get them six feet long, and sufficient in number to put into 
the wall every six feet. The house can be made any length up to 
50 feet, if it be heated with flue. Let us allow the house wanted 
to be thirty feet long and ten feet wide, inside measurement; for 
six feet long sash this makes the best width. It Avill require 13 
posts, 6 for each side and one for centre of end. Sink the posts 
into the ground 2^ feet, allowing 3i feet above the surface of the 
ground, allowing the posts to be four inches in diameter; set them 
lO'i feet from outside to outside. Line up with common pine 
lumber, having the ujjper edge level with the top of the posts. 
Cover this with roofing paper, fastening it down with strijjs half 
an inch thick, which affords an air space between the paper and 
the next lining, which may be of same kinds of boards as the 
first, or may, if it cannot be banked up with soil, either cove or 
cap siding, bvit it is the better way if convenient for this kind of 
house to bank up with soil; it keeps the house warmer and re- 
(juires less fuel to keep up the necessary temperature. On the 
top of the posts put on a plank 1x6 inches, surfaced on upper side 
to rest the rafters on. Joists 2x3 inches, having one corner bevel- 
ed off to the same pitch of the house for the end of the sash to 
rest on; spike this down one inch from the inner edge of the 6-inch 
plank, which affords a rest for the end of the rafters. The rafters 
being also 3x2 inches, ai'e made and fitted so that the upper edge 
of them, where the sash rests, shall be flush with the beveled edge 
of the joist; then the sash lies close at the bottom and tight to the 



6o 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Perle des Jardins, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 6 1 

rafters. For a ridge, Gxli inches is the most suitable, to which 
nail the rafters, which should be 3 feet apart froni centre to cen- 
tre. Bevel the upper ends of the sash so that they shall fit neat- 
ly against the ridge. Make every alternate sash so that it can be 
raised to admit of thoroughly ventilating the house. The other 
sash screw tightly down at the top and bottom. 

The flue shcnild be built of brick and terra cotta pipes, using 
brick for about 13 feet next the furnace, as if the pipes are placed 
too near they are liable to break from the intense heat. They are 
better, however, than brick ait the further end, being easier 
warmed, and being smooth inside, the draft is much better; 8-inch 
sewer pipe answers very well. Sink the furnace pit so that there 
be a rise of about one foot in "•" to the bottom of the chimney. 

A house this size (10 feet wide) can have benches four feet wide 
on each side of the path, which for all practical purposes is wide 
enough at two feet. If the house is to be used for raising vegeta- 
ble plants, have the bottom of the benches about 4 inches from 
the glass at the lower side; this allows plenty of head room for the 
plants after about 4 inches of soil is placed on them in which to 
grow them. If for single bedding plants, they may be kept nearer 
the glass, and instead of soil on benches, have an inch or two of 
sand or finely sifted coal ashes. It is better to have something on 
the boards of this nature, as it prevents drying out of the plants 
too rai^idly, which is the case when set on the bare boards. 

Winter Mauagenieiit.— The conservatory in winter should 
be kept at as uniform a temperature in the nighttime — that is one 
night with another— as possible, and at a figure adapted to the 
requirements of the majority of the collection. I say night time 
because the inside atmosphere is not then affected by influence 
of sun and clouds, which renders it easier thus to give and ob- 
serve directions, besides in the day time a uniform temperature 
is undesirable, as plants in the conservatory require more heat 
when it is sunny than in cloudy wheather. This is a point that 
should be carefully observed by every inexperienced operator. 
A thermometer is indispensable to indicate the temperature. 
Throughout the descriptions of plants in this book, the tempera- 
ture best suited to each is indicated to guide their management in 
the conservatory. In most cases three figures indicating temper- 
ature are given, the first one sliowiug the lowest point of cold 
each plant will bear, the last the highest degree, with the most 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Bourbon Rose — Queen of Bedders, 

generally suitable night temperature shown by the middle figure. 
A temperature of 70^ or even above, will suit any kind of plants 
when the sun shines, provided some air is admitted at the same 
time, while in cloudy days more than 10° above a suitable niglit 
temperature is not desirable and should be guarded against by 
checking the fire if necessary or admitting air. When airing do 
not open the ventilators so much at once as to greatly lower the 
temperature suddenly. A little air at least is desirable every 
day in the year when the weatlieris not too severe, while in warm 
spring, summer and autumn weather tlie ventilatoi-s may be kept 
wholly or partially o])en all the while. AVhen the surface of the 
soil in pots indicates drjmess, water should be freely applied with 



THE HOME FLORIST. 63 

the pot hose, as plants are sonn injured by becoming over 
dry. Looking over the collection every second day in winter, and 
daily in spring, watering i^rofusely where it is required, is none 
too often; in a house heated with the flue, it may be necessary to 
water several times daily over the liottest part of the flue. Water 
occasionally syringed or sprinkled over all the plants renders the 
air huiiiid in a way that will be beneficial to all kinds of plant life. 
The matter under the head of a Classification of the Amateur's 
Work for Every Week in the Year, contains much other informa- 
tion that bears on conservatory management in the winter af 
well as summer. 

Siiimner Maiiageineiit.— If the glass roof be whitened on 
the outside with a thin wash made either of quicklime and 
M^ater, or else of turpentine or naphtha and a little wliite lead 
mixed up so as to appear like thin milk, the home conservatory 
can be made a most delightful place all summer. But if this or 
some kind of shading is not done the scorching rays of the sum- 
mer sun will cause Jieat of sufficient intensity to hurt many 
kinds of plant life in the building; this wash should be applied 
about the first of June. Then, Mith doors and ventilators open, 
by dashing Avater on the walks, and profusely sprinkling and 
watering the plants, etc., the atmosphere maybe kept agreeable 
and hanging baskets and all kinds of plants will thrive amazing- 
ly, particvilarly if abundant pot room has been afl^orded the lat- 
ter. With the return of August and the two following months, 
the securing of plants from the open ground will require atten- 
tion, and fire heat may be started a little in cool nights, but dur- 
ing the day, as late as possible in the season, the ventilators 
should be kept open. It is well always to have an inch of sand on 
the benches where pots are set. 

Propag'atioii of all kinds of plants may be successfully done 
at most any season of the year in the conservatory. The bed in 
which the cuttings are struck should be boarded up on the sides, 
underneath, to cause the heat from the pipes or flue to rise up 
through the sand, for imparting the desired bottom heat to the 
bed. See special article on the subject of Propagation. 

JnHeets, etc.— ApMs or Green-fly are very common intrud- 
ers in the greenhouse ; these may be destroyed, and also pre- 
vented, by dampening one-fourth or one-half pound of dry 
refuse tobacco or stems from the cigar maker, and after placing 



64 



THE UOME FLORIST. 



it on a handful of shavings or live coals, on the ground or stone 
floor, burning to ashes. The smoke thus jjroduced may be stnjng 
enough to be ver}' uncomfortable indeed to human lungs and 
senses, witliout affecting plants. Tlie presence of Red Spider in- 
dicates too dry an atmosphere, and tliis should be corrected by 
dashing water about the house very freely. Any plants affected 
b}- this insect should daily receive a thorough sprinkling or wash- 
ing of water. Mecdxj Bug and Scale may be exterminated by 
washing and brushing the affected part of the i)lant. To remove 
Angle Wovdis, plants should be tapped out of tlie pots, and the 
worms picked from the ball of earth. Should mildew at any 
time put in an appearance, scatter a little flour of sulphur over 
tlie plants after the foliage is wet from watering and keep the 
nouse closed for a day or two. 




THE HOME FLORIST. 



65 



/cn.r'^r 




ROSES. 



II, the queen of all the roses, it can never be 
c enied, 
Ts the heavy crimson rose of velvet leaf ! 
There is such a gracious royalty about her 
vivid bloom. 
That among all charming- kindred she is 
chief ! 

Then the fainter shaded roses, in their balmy 

damask pride, 

Group like satellites about one central star 

Royal princesses, of whom we can discover 

at a iflance 

What aristocrats the dainty creatures arc ! 

Then those tender gauzy roses, clustered 
closely on their vines. 
They are gentle maids of honor, I am told; 
fiut the pompous yellow roses, these are sneer- 
ed at, it is said, 
For so showing off the color of their gold ! 

And the roses that are powerless to boast of 
any tint, 
Unsullied as the snow itself in hue, 
These are pious nuns; I fancy, v/ho perhaps 
may murmur prayers 
Very softly upon rosaries of dew ! 

But the delicate pink roses that one meets in 
the quiet lanes. 
Gleaming pale upon a background of clear 
green, 
Why, these are only peasant girls, who never 
goto court. 
But are loyal little subjects of their queen ! 



THE ROSE FAMILY. 

As a rule experienced cultivators are ready to admit, I think, 
that Roses are no more ditiicult to rear, in projwrtion to their 
value, than any other family of plants in cultivation; and yet 
there is scarcely a subject connected with floriculture, iu which 
amateurs generally realize so great a lack of knowledge, as on 
the subject of the different kinds of Roses and their management. 



66 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Hybrid Perpetual Rose — Coquette des Alps. 



Tliis can be accounted for by the fact that the family is extensive 
and diversified, and consequently not so easy to fully compre- 
hend and gain an acquaintance -with as some others are. The 
right way to proei'(>d for l)eeoining familiar with the entire sub- 
ject is to carefully discriminate at aU times between tlie various 



THE HOME FLORIST. 6/ 

classes into which the family is divided, bearing in mind the dis- 
tinct habits, adaptability and treatment of each. By such a 
course there need be no more difficulty in becoming familiar with 
all the classes and every branch of the subject, than to master an 
acquaintance with the same number of different kinds of other 
plants. In the present work there are for instance eight different 
classes of roses described. By proceeding on the plan suggested, 
the distinct characteristics as well as the management of all these 
ought to be as easily mastered as would be the same with any 
eight different other flowers described in the book. Being desir- 
ous of rendering all possible aid in this matter, I have paid due at- 
tention to simplifying it, firstly, by presenting the Hardy and 
Tender divisions of the family separately, and then describing the 
classes that are included in each, following up with directions for 
managing the different kinds in summer and winter. 

HARDY ROSES. 

This division of Roses includes the classes known as the Hybrid 
Perpehial Roses, June or Summer Roses, Climbing Roses, 3Ioss 
iio.ses, efc, all of which are noted for their hax'diness and easy 
culture. 

HYBRID PERrETUAL ROSES.— This is by far the most de- 
sirable class of hardy Roses for general cultivation, being vigor- 
ous and robust in habit and producing flowers, usually very fra- 
grant, and which for immense size, perfect form and gorgeous 
colors are unequaled. This class is of more recent introduction 
than some others, having originated from hybridizing the June 
or Summer Rose with the ever-blooming section. Although the 
name would indicate the quality of blooming perpetually, only 
some varieties are strictly deserving of the name, for as a rule 
they flower freely but once in early summer, after which they 
canuot be depended upon for more than a few flowers; but as an 
offset to such mis-aj^plicationof the term "perpetual," the flowers 
of these more shy-blcoming varieties are likely to be possessed of 
more than ordinary perfect form, fragrance or color. The more 
prolific varieties, however, not only produce a wealth of flowers 
in June and July, but again at intervals during the summer, with 
usually an increase toward autumn. Although this cla&s is com- 
paratively hardy in this latitude, it is always best to protect with 
straw in winter. The remai'ks elsewhere relative to removing 



68 THE HOME FLORIST. 

matured flowers apply with particular stress to Hybrid Perpetual 
Roses. 

JUNE OR SUMMER ROSES.— The varieties of this class are 
all perfectly hardy, free growers, producing an abundant crop of 
flowei's iu June or early summer, and will thrive in any soil and 
under almost any circumstances. Specimens of this class are to 
be found in nearly every old garden in the country. Many of 
the improved varieties are very desirable. The Hybrid China, 
Damask and Provence sections belong to this class. 

HARDY CLIMBING ROSES —This class, of which the Prairie 
Roses are the principal sorts, are generally vigorous growers with 
strong thorns and most admirably adapted to covering walls, 
trellises, arbors, etc. They are well known for their perfect hardi- 
ness, rapid growth, fine foliage and beautiful and finely-shaped 
flowers, comprising many different colors. 

MOSS ROSES. — An elegant and well-known class of Roses, in 
most varieties producing large clusters of buds, that have indi- 
vidual!}^ their calyx and sepals entirely covered with a delicate, 
mossy growth which renders them the perfection of beauty while 
in a bud or half open state. 

HYBRID REMONTANT, OR HYBRID PER- 
PETUAL ROSES. 

If delicacy describes the Teas, grandeur is the appellation pecu- 
liarly appropriate to the beauty of the Hybrid Perpetuals. Their 
flowers are much larger than those of the tender Ro.ses and the 
prevailing coloring is darker and riclier than any found among 
the Teas. In growth they are also decidedly stronger and more 
vigorous. Their liabit is erect and stiff rather than bushy and 
branching, and they are perfectl}' hardy in all i)arts of the coun- 
try. Although requiring no protection against the cold, it is 
well where in everyway convenient, to throw loose branches of 
trees over them in winter as a shelter from heavy winds. There 
appears to be an idea somewhat prevalent among amateurs, that 
these roses are only suitable for jilauting at the north, or that 
they are not worthy of being grown, where the Teas can be win- 
tered over without protection. Tiie notion is wholly erroneous. 
Their attractions arc entirely different, and a collection that lacks 
them, exhibits but half th3 beauty of the rose. It should be 



THE HOME PXORIST. 69 



well understood that these roses do not as a rule, bloona contmu- 
ouslj'. In May and June they present a magnificent appearance, 
the plants being fairly loaded with large, double flowers; a burst 
of bloom seldom seen on any of the dwarf Teas. July, how- 
ever, witnesses the last of them until September and October, 
when most of the varieties, under good treatment, produce a 
second crop, not nearly so liberal as the first one, but often in- 
cluding individual flowers of greater perfection. Some kinds 
bloom almost as constantly as the Teas and Bourbons, but they 
are few. 

Abbe Bramerel — Crimson, shaded with velvet}^ purple; a grand 

rose, full and very double. 
Abel Carriere — Velvety crimson, with fier}- centre; large, full 

flowers; fragrant, 
Achille Oonod — Rosy carmine, full form and large size. 
Admiral Nelson — Bright crimson, double, cupped form. 
Alfred Colomb — Carmine crimson, very large, of fine globular 

form, extremely fragrant. This is truly a magnificent sort. 
Alfred K. Williams — Carmine red, changing to magenta. 
Alphonse Fontaine - Bright carmine, shaded with rich, ruby 

scarlet; a charming sort, large and full. 
Amelie Hoste- Fink, reverse of petals; darker, large and full, 

fragrant and beautifvxl. 
Amelie Planticr — Flowers are a coppery yellow, color changing 

to yellowish white; medium size and full form. 
Anna Alexieff -Fixight rose, large and double; free flowering. 
Anna de Diesbach — Bright rosy carmine; a fine large, showy 

variety. 
Antoine Mouton — Bright, glossy pink, reverse of petals, silvery 

white; flowers of extraordinary size. 
Aiiguste 3Iie— Clear, waxy rose, large and finely cupped: very 

fragrant; an e:!fcelleut rose. 
Baron de Bonstetten — Velvety maroon, shaded with deep crim- 
son, almost black, fragrant and fine. 
Baroness Rothsehild— 'Light, clear pink, large cupped form, very 

symmetrical; much prized as a garden rose. 
Baronne de Maynard — A very pretty white rose, edge of petals 

shaded blush. 
Baronne Prevost — Pure rose, very large and full, free bloomer, 

fragrant and hardy. 



7() THE IIOMK FLORIST. 

Beauty of TraZ/Ziawt— Bright, rosy crimson, large and fragrant; a 

free bloomer. 
Belle Norman de — Clear rose, shaded and clouded with cariiiiue 

and lilac. 
Boieldieu—A bright cherry red, circular flower of great size; 

blooms freely; vigorous. 
Bonle de Neige — Pure white, medium-sized flowers of perfect form. 
Captain Christy — Delicate flesh color, deepening toward centre. 

A most lovely sort. 
Cardinal Patrizzi — Dark velvety crimson, very attractive; a su- 
perb rose. 
Caroline de Sansal — Clear, brilliant rose, merging into ro.sy lilac, 

edged with bronze. 
Catherine i?('W— Deep rose color, reverse of petals, silvery pink, 

full and sweet; a vigorous grower. 
Charles Darwin — Crimson with violet shadings, very beautiful 

and distinct. 
Charles Lefebvre — Brilliant crijuson centime, deep i)ur[)le, large, 

very full and fragrant; a noble rose. 
Charles Margotten — Fiery red, shaded with crimson, large, full 

flowers; an excellent distinct rose. 
Climbing Jules Margotten -Flowers same as "Jules Margotten," 

highly commended as a useful pillar rose. 
Comtesse Cecile de Chabrilliant — Satiny pink, medium size, full 

and fragrant; a lovely rose. 
Comtesse de Choiseuil— Color vermilion, lighted with velvety 

scarlet, large, full, imbricated form; vigorous grower; su- 
perb. 
Comtesse de Serenye — Beautiful silvery pink, blush centre, sweet 

and perfectly formed, of great beauty. 
Coquette des Alps - Shell tinted white, of delicate appearance and 

beautiful color. 
Coquette des Blanches — One of the finest whites, large and full; 

fragrant. 
Countess of O.rford — Carmine red, tinged with lihic; a valuable 

variety. 
Crown Prince — Bright jturple, crimson centn-; a fine variety. 
Deanof Windsor — Clear rich vermilion, flowers large and very 

attractive; free and constant. 
Dr. Andry — Rich, rosy crimson, large flowers, fine, smooth 

petals; superb. 



THE HOME FLORIST. Jl 

Doctor Hogg — Deep violet, evenly shaded with purple. 

Doctor Sewell — Bright crimson, tinged with purple; large and full. 

Duke of Edinhurgli — Rich, velvety crimson, large, full and of 

good symmetrical form. 
Duke of Teck —Hvighi crimson scarlet, clear and distinct in its 

vividness of color; flowers large and very full; pointed, 

globular shape. 
Duke of Wellington — Beautiful velvety red, shaded scarlet crim- 
son; very fine. 
Earl of Beaconsfield — Cherry rose, medium size, beautiful form. 
Earl of Pembroke — Velvety crimson; a most beautiful rose. 
Elise Boelle — White, delicately tinged with pink; medium size; a 

lovely rose. 
Empress of India — Dark violet crimson, velvety, globular and 

fragrant; an imperial rose. 
Eugenie Verdier — Silvery pink, tinged with fawn; one of the 

best of the type. 
Fanny Pit sold— Bright rosy flesh, shaded and edged with violet. 
i^eZicien i)at'i'd— Deep rose, tinged with purple; full and sweet; 

very large. 
Felix Genera — Beautiful lilac rose, large globular flowers, double 

and deliciously fragrant. 
Ferdinand de Lesseps — Bright crimson, large and full; very free 

flowering; a lovely rose. 
Fisher Holmes — Dark, rich scarlet, elegantly shaded with deep 

velvety crimson; brilliant and beautiful. 
Fontenelle —harge flowers of a rich, dark velvety crimson; a good 

rose. 
Francois Levet— Soft pink, delicately shaded carmine and blush; 

delightfully fragrant. 
Francois Miclielon — Deep rose tinged with lilac, very large, full 

of fine globular form ; fragrant and free blooming. 
Gabriel Tournier — Dark rose, large, full and fine shape; a free 

bloomer. 
General Washington — Brilliant, dazzling crimson, approaching 

vermilion; free and constant bloomer; flowers are large 

and perfectly double. 
George Moreau— Bright red, shaded with verniilion; very large; 

full, opening well. 
Giant of Battles — Deep, fiery crimson, very brilliant and rich 

medium size, full, well formed, handsome. 



72 



THE HOME FLOKIsr 




General Jacqueminot. 

General Jacqueminot — Brilliant crimson scai'let, very large and 
attractive; au abundant bloomer; one of the best of the 
class. 

Gloire de i)»c7icr— Flowers- verj^ double, beautiful l)rilliaut sea-. 
let, deepening to dark maroon: fragrant, handsome and 
desirable . 

Gloire de Paris — See ''Anna de Dienbach." 

Glory of Cheshunt — Rich crimson, double, very effective; a de- 
cided acquisition. 

Grand Duke Nicliolas—A magnificent rose, color dazzling crim- 
8on, brightly flamed with intense scarlet, exceedingly fra- 
grant, double and ot ])erfect form. 

Cwsf arc r/u'er?-?/— Cherry red, large, full and very doul)le; very 
fragrant; a gootl variety. 

Harrison Weir — Deej) velvety crimson, lirighteiu-l with brilliant 
Bcarlet; very double and fragrant. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 73 

Heinrich SchulUieis — A graud new rose, flowers very large, of 

good form, full and very sweet, color very delicate, pinkish 

rose; a grand show rose. 
Helen Paul — White, sometimes shaded with pink, large globular 

flowers, full and sweet. 
Hippolyte Javiain — Bright rosy carmine; a handsome flower. 

large, double and globular. 
Horace Fernet- Crimson, illmnined with scarlet, large, double 

and beautiful. Few roses have such lovely form. 
Jacques Lafitte Carmine rose, edged silver rose, reverse of petals, 

light. 
J^ea7i Lmbatfd- Crimson maroon, illuminated with scarlet, very 

dark, rich and fragrant, a lovely rose. 
Jean Soupert — Fiery crimson, shaded with black; a richly-colored 

sort. 
John B rigid - Color a pure glowing crimson, very bright, perfect 

form, with large even outer petals, sometimes recurved. 
John Hopjjer — Deep rose, with carmine centre, large and full, 

semi-globular; a free-blooming standard sort. 
Jules Cretien — Flowers large and finely-formed, color brilliant, 

fiery red, shaded with light purple. 
Jules Margottin — Brilliant carmine, somewhat imbricated ; a very 

fine rose, being large and attractive, fragrant and a free 

bloomer. 
Julius Ccesar Dark cherry red; a free and constant bloomer; 

large, full and fragrant. 
La Reine — Beautiful, clear bright rose, fine, full form, large and 

fragrant; a favorite old variety. 
La Rosiere — Very deep, velvety crimson, large and full; a good 

rose of splendid color. 
Lady Emily Peel — A charming rose, medium size and full form, 

very sweet, color white, sometimes tinged with blush. 
L'Enfant du Mont Carmel — Deep crimson, piirple shading, free 

and constant; very fragrant. 
Leopold Premier — Deep red, shaded crimson; a fine large rose, 

very full and sweet, 
L'Esperance — Cherry red, large, full flat form, fragrant; a good 

rose. 
Lord Macaidey — Fiery crimson, large, double, well-formed 

flowers; fragrant; a good rose. 



74 THE HOME FLORIST. 

Lord Palmersi on— Carmine red, tinged with vermilion; double, 

well formed; a good variety for the garden. 
Lord Raglan — A lovely shade of crimson; full and well formed; 

an old sort much esteemed. 
Louis /)ore— Strong, vigorous growth ; flowers well formed and 

produced freely; color briglit cerise red. sliaded ])urple. 
Louis XIV. — Ricli crimson, double and full, large and fragrant; a 

Ijeautiful shade. 
Louis Van Houtte — Crimson mai'oon; full, globular form; free 

blooming; a decidedly fine crimson variety. 
LudoHc Letaidd- A fine large rose of vigorous growth, color 

beautiful pale rose; very double and fragrant. 
Mabel Morrison -Flesh white, changing to pure white, sometimes 

tinged with pink; a useful garden sort. 
Madame Alfred Carj/ere— Flesh white, sbaded with salmon yel- 
low at base of petals, of climbing habit; good size and very 

sweet. 
Madame Alfred de Rongemont — Pure white, delicately shaded 

and tii:ged with rose; double, good size, very sweet and 

pretty. 
Madame Aliee Dureau — Fine bright rose, clear and glossy; a 

handsome globular flower, large and double. 
Madame Charles Wood — Brilliant crimson, shaded with purple; 

large and double; a free bloomer; very fragrint; profuse. 
Madame Eugene Verdier — Satiny rose; very large, full, globular; 

a most beautiful variety. 
Madame Franeois Pettit — Pure white, very full and double; 

flowers produced in clusters; a good wliite rose. 
Madame Gabriel Luizet—A beautiful shade of pink; fragrant, 

large, cupped shape; an elegant sort. 
Madame Gustave Bonnet— Fure white, sometimes sliglitly tinged 

with rose; medium size, very double and full. 
Madame Laffaij-Roi^e col(u-. large, double, cupped form; an ohl 

and much esteemed rose. 
Madame Louis Ca ricques—B.oi^y crimson, double, full and fra- 
grant; very fine; a good rose. 
Madame Louis Leveque — Carmine rose, large, very full, flat form 

and fragrant; good in tbe fall. 
ili/adaHiil/o.s.so?t— Velvety crimson; very bright ami full; a fine 

sort for bedding. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 75 

Madame Nomaii — White, sometimes shaded centre, medium size, 
full, globular; arose of exquisite beauty. 

Madame Oswald de Kerchove — White, tinged with fawn: full, with 
imbricated form; a lovely sort. 

Madame. Thevenot— Beautiful, bright violet red, very showy and 
handsome, flowers large; finely formed, double and sweet. 

Madame Trotter — A strong, vigorous grower; very hardy; flowers 
bright brilliant red, full and sweet. 

Madame Victor Verdier — Rich, bright cherry red, changing to 
satin rose; large, full and fragrant; a superb rose. 

Mademoiselle Marie i^ad//— Vermilion red, shaded with crimson; 
large, very full, of sj^lendid globular form; A-ery fragrant; 
altogether a most valuable sort. 

Magna Charta — Bright, clear pink, suffused with carmine; very 
4arge, full and globular form; a fragrant, excellent variety. 

Marechal Vaillant — Crimson, large, full, well formed and fra- 
grant; a fine rose. 

Marguerite de St. Amand —Bright rose, very beautiful in the bud 
state; flowers produced in great jirofusion; excellent. 

Marie Baumann — Crimson vermilion, shaded carmine, large, 
full, of exquisite color and form; very fragrant; a charm- 
ing sort. 

Marquis de Bocella, -Creamy white and flesh color; centre rosy 
blush; double and fragrant; a free bloomer. 

Marquis de Castellane — Carmine rose, a bright and permanent 
shade; verj^ large, verj^ full and effective; a valuable sort. 

Marquis of Salisbury— CopYtery rose, shaded with crimson; large, 
globular form: distinct. 

Marshall P. Wilder — Vigorous growth, with healthy foliage; 
flowei'S large, seini-globular, full and well formed, color 
cherry carmine, fragrant, one of the most constant bloom- 
ers of the class; beyond question a rose of great merit. 

Maurice Bernardin — Bright crimson; large, full and fragrant; a 
very prolific sort; one that is growing in favor. 

May Quennell — Brilliant magenta carmine, shaded with crimson; 
large, full, globular form; a handsome rose. 

Merveille de Lyon — Flowers very large, fvdl, well formed, pure 
white centre, satiny rose; a magnificent new rose. 

Monsieur Eugene Delaire — Velvety crimson, lighted with fiery 
red; large, full, extra. 



7^ 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



aiMWi« i '*iaMiJm''»t^ at 




Marshall P. Wildei\ 
Monsieur E Y. Teas— Carmine crimson; large, fine, globular ft>rm, 

highly scented; a superb rose. 
Mrs. Harrij Turner — Dazzling crimson scarlet, vith rich maroon 

shading; very brilliant; large and full; beautifully imbri- 
cated. 
Mrs. L(/.r^j)i— Bright, rosy crimson of the most perfect globular 

form; very fine. 
Olga Maria — Pure vv'hite, delicately shaded with amber and 

blusli; large, full flowers, very double and sweet; a free 

bloomer. 
Oxonian — Rosy carmine flowere, very large, cuppeil, vtrv sweet; 

a free autumn bloomer. 



THE HOME FLORIST. "J^ 

Pceonia — One of the finest old roses, very large, full, fragrant; a 
free bloomer; color clear bi'ight red ; a good garden variety . 

Paul Jamain—Y elvety crimson, slightly tinged with violet red; 
large, full and double ; a grand rose. 

Paul Neyro7i—T>eep rose; very large, very full, somewliat fra- 
grant; free bloomer; the largest variety known, and avery 
desirable sort for the garden, 

PaulRicaut — Bright rosy carmine, darker towards the centre; 
sweetly fragrant and cup-shaped; a free bloomer. 

Peach Blossom — Mottled pink, shaded with a beautiful tinge of 
delicate peach; an elegant color; large and full. 

Penelope Jlfoyo— Brilliant carmine red, large, well-shaped flowers 
of great substance. 

Pierre Notting — Deep crimson, tinged with violet; large, fine 
globular form, highly scente 1; a most beautiful dark rose 

Pius the Ninth — Purplish red, changing to violet rose; flat form; 
very full, free flowering and very hardy. 

President Lincoln —Scarlet and crimson, shaded with purplish 
vermilion; very full, fine form; beautiful and fragrant. 

President Thiers -Flaming red, large-sized flowers, full and 
globular in shape; one of the darkest colored in the type. 

President Willennoz — Bright rose, shaded lighter; large and dou- 
ble, fragrant; very beautifvil. 

Prince Albert —Dark red, very fine form, good blooiuer; a much- 
esteemed sort. 

Prince Camille de Rohan — Rich, dark velvety crimson; large and 
fine; a good rose of splendid color. 

Prince de Portia — Velvety vermillion; large, full, well formed; 
one of the most fragrant; a splendid varirty. 

Prince Humbert — Brilliant, fiery crimson; full, large, well-form- 
ed; excellent. 

Prince of Wales — Satiny pink; a delicate and lovely shade; very 
large and double. 

Prince Paid Demidoff— Satiny rose; very full, fine form, and very 
sweet; a good garden rose. 

Prince Antoinette Strozzio— Flowers large, full and very double; 
delightful perfume; soft, rosy pink, shaded crimson. 

Princess Louise Victoria— Stalmon pink, medium size, fine globu- 
lar form; a splendid rose. 

Princess Mathilde— Burgundy crimson; a lovely shade, medium 
size, double; valuable. 



THE HOME FLORIS1 



Queen of Queens— Tink edges, elegantly tinged with blush; large 

and full, and of perfect form; grows and flowers f reel v. 
R. Dudley Baxter — Flowers deep maroon crimson; very rich in 

color, extra large, full and cupped, free and hardy. 
Red Dragon — Brilliant crim.son, very bright and striking; large, 

double and finely cupped flowers. 
Rev. J. B. M. Camm — Carmine rose, large, semi-globular form; 

one of the most fragrant and free blooming roses; a superb 

sort. 
Rosy Morn — Peach pink, shaded darker; fine large flower of good 

form and finish; very sweet and full. 
Royal Standard— Satiny rose, tinged with lilac; a large, well- 
formed, globular flowei*. 
Senateur Fa/s.se— Crimson carmine; elegant, large form; free 

bloomer, highly scented. 
Sir Garnet Wolseley — Vermilion, shaded crimson; large and full; 

a splendid sort. 
Souvenir de Charles Montauld — Dark, rich, crimson maroon; 

velvety; a bold and striking flower; full and good. 
Souvenir de la Reiiie d' Angleter re— Bright rose; verj' large and 

double; a much admired variety. 
S. Reynolds Hole — Maroon, flushed witli scarlet crimson; medium 

size, full and well formed; arose of great beaut}'. 
Sfar o/ ira///(rt//i -Carmine crimson, medium .size, semi-globu- 
lar; full and fragrant; a good rose. 
Sultan of Zanzibar — Blackish maroon, edged with scarlet; full 

and well-formed ; medium size. 
Sydonie — A charming old variety, much esteemed, rose color; 

very large and full; a constant bloomer, 
Thomas Metliven — Red, tinged with velvety crimson; good size, 

well formed; a fine rose. •- 

Thomas Mills— Rosy crimson, very large and double; a good 

variety for the garden. 
Trioniphe de V Exjiosit ion -Jit^ddisli crimson; very briglit and 

beautifully shaded. 
Triomphe des Beaux Arts — Metallic rose, flamed with scarlet; 

large, very fragrant and full; splendid. 
Victor Trouillard — Bright crimson, shading to purple; large, full 

and fragrant; a good old sort. 
Victor Vcrdier — Bright rose with crimson centre; globular form, 

good size; a most beautiful rose. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 79 



Vulcain — Rich crimson, double, well- formed ; a rose of splendid 
color. 

White Baroness — Pure white; large clipped form, very symmet- 
rical; except in color identical with Baroness Rothschild. 

Xavier Olibo — Flowers large and double, of excellent form, color 
velvety black, shaded with fiery red; a superb rose. 

PRAIRIE ROSES— HARDY CLIMBING. 

These are the only climbing roses that are perfectly hardy 
everywhere, and are consequently of the gi-eatest value. They 
can be readily trained to the height of twenty or thirty feet, as 
they grow with great vigor. They bloom only in June and Jul}% 
but are then objects of the greatest beauty. We have seen Balti- 
more Belle growing all over the side of a house, where its thou- 
sands of blooms formed a complete mass of white. At least one 
of these hardy climbers should be found in every rose garden 
north of Tennessee. Tlie flowers are produced in large clusters. 
When it is deshed to cover walls, unsiglitly buildings, etc., with 
Roses, none will be found to do the work so efficiently as varieties 
of the Prairie Rose. 

Baltimore Belle— Fale blush; variegated carmine, rose and white; 
very double: flowers in beautiful clusters, the whole plant 
appearing a perfect mass of bloom; one of the very best of 
the type. 
Bennefs Seedling— An Ayrshire or Scotch rose and a vigorous 
runner; flowers are white, very double and fragrant and 
borne m great profusion. 
Caroline Goodrich — This new hardy-climbing rose has finely- 
formed flowers; very double, and its fragrance is most de- 
licious. The color is the same as that of the well-known 
General Jacqvieminot. It makes a growth of from twelve 
to fifteen feet in a season; flowers freely till fall; constant; 
also known as "Running General Jacqueminot." 
Champney — A hardy rose, quite double and very fragrant; flowers 

deep rose, changing to pale rose; desirable. 
Dundee Rambler— Scotch rose; growth is slender and rapid; 

flowers small, semi-double. 
Gem of the Prair/e-^ Light shade of crimson, large, perfectly 
beautiful form ; the flowers ai'e borne on trusses, number- 
ing from ten to twenty buds on each. 



So THE H0ME FLORIST. 



Gremlls or Seven Sisters — Flowers in large clusters; varies in 

color from white to crimson. 
Mrs. Gunnell — Soft, rosy blush, becoming almost white; large 

clusters; full and double; much admired. 
3Irs. Hove y -Blush, changing to while; resembles Baltimore 

Belle, but is hardier; a valuable climbingrose. 
Prairie Queen — Flowers very large and of jjeculiar globular 

form; bright, rosy red, changing to lighter as the flower 

opens. 
Pride of Washington — Brilliant amaranth, shaded rose centre; 

large clusters; very double and fine. 
RusselVs Cottage — Dark velvety crimson; very double and full; 

a profuse bloomer, strong grower; desirable. 
Ten?je.s.see £e?Ze— Flowers bright, beautiful pink; is more slender 

and graceful in growth than either of the other varieties. 
Triumphant — An excellent variety; flowers large, very double 

and compact; color deep rose, changing to pale carmine; 

beautiful, shaded and variegated. 

MOSS ROSES. 

The beautiful mossed buds of these Roses have placed them 
higher in the popular estimation than any other rose, or indeed 
than any other flowers, and they have furnished a theme for so 
many poets that they are familiar to everybod}-. The bushes are 
not very prepossessing in appearance, forming large, rugged 
masses, and set with ir numerable small thorns; most of them 
bloom only in the spring, but sometimes produce a few flowers in 
tlu' fall. They are as hardy as an oak; no garden is complete 
without some of these charming roses. 
Alice Leroy — Fine, clear pink; extra large flowers; fragrant. 
Aphelis Purpurea — Violet purple; large, fine form, well covered 

witli moss. 
Blanche Moreau — Flowers are produced in clusters; large, full 

and sweet; color pure white. The buds have an abundance 

of lovely deei> green moss. 
Captain Jolui Incjrahani — Brilliant carmine; large, full flowers, 

very double and mossy. 
Common .Vos.s"— The finest of all (he moss roses; color pale rose; 

very beautiful in the bud; a grand rose for the garden. 
Comtesse de il/«?-/«a/.s— Flowers white, sometimes tinged with 

flesh color; large, double, cupped: one of the best moss roses. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



8l 




Moss Rose. 



Crested Moss — Deep, jjink-colored buds surrounded with a mossy 
fringe and crest; a fragrant and very beautiful rose. 

De Luxembourg — Bright crimson scarlet ; large and double ; very 
sweet and mossy. 

Elizabeth Rowe — Bright, satiny pink; very large and double: fra- 
grant and finely mossed. 

Etna— CrinMion, tinged with purple; delightfully fragrant; very 
moss3'. 

Glory of 3Ioss — A magnificent moss ross; very large and double; 
color deep rosy oarmine; very mossy and fragrant; one of 
the best of the type. 

Gracilis — Deep pink buds, surrounded with delicate fringe-like 
moss; a magnificent and elegant sort; very prolific. 

Henry Martin — Rich, glossy pink, elegantly tinged with crim- 
son; large, globular flowers, very full and sweet; finely 
mossed. 

Hortense Vernet — Fine, rosy carmine; large, full and sweet; buds 
beautifully mossed. 



82 



THE HOME f LORIST. 



Laneil — Largi', bold flowers, A-ery (loul)l('; full and fragrant; color 

rich criuison, delicately shaded witli rosy ])Mrj)le; very 

mossy. 
Little Gem — A miniature sort; color bright crimson; very small 

and full; desiiable. 
Madame Moreaii - Flowers extra large, perfectly full and double: 

color rich carmine with crimson centre; petals beautifully 

edged with white; buds are finely mossed. 
Perpetual Wliite Jl/o.ss— Ends very mossy, color ]inre white, 

medium size and borne in large clusters; fragrant. 
Princess Adelaide — One of the best, extra large flowers, very 

double and fragrant; verj^ mossy; color Inight, rosy pink. 
Purpurea Rid)ra — Violet purple; large, full form; very double 

and fragrant; buds lieautifully mosse<l. 
i2ojj7i«e/— Beautiful mossy buds; color pinkish wliite, shaded 

Avith rose; large, full and sweet, 
Soupert et Notting— Rose color, very large, very full, globular 

form, highly scented, nicely covered with beautiful moss; 

a charming sort. 
IMiite Bath — Pure white, in clusters: attractive in bud and open 

flower; free blooming and very mossy. 

SUMMER AND MISCELLANEOUS ROSES. 



BLOOMING IN JUNE AND JULY. 

In this class we place all the varieties of Summer Roses and 
other roses that are not described in our classifications. The list 
embraces many that are valuable and highly esteemed, especially 
the old garden varieties. 

Beauty of Glazenwood (Evergreen — See " Fortune's Double Yel- 
low." 
Blanchefleiir. (June)— White, tinged w-ith blush: medium size, 
flat, very full, highly scented; very profuse bloomer; a val- 
uable garden rose. 
Bridid Rose — See "Rubus (irandittora.'' 
Cabbage Rose, (June— Old fashioned)— See "Centifolia." 
Cameliae folia, (evergreen)— Leaves deep, shining green; is an 
evergreen species f roni Japan : handsome in or out of flower; 
the flowers are single and white. 
Celine, (June) — Cupped rose, large and fine; suitable for pillars. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 83 

CentifoUa, (June)— Eose color, large, full, globular form and fra- 
grant; a very desirable garden variety; the old fashioned 
Cabbage Rose. 

CentifoUa Cristata, (June)— Large, pink flowers, fragrant and 
good. 

Charles Laivso7i— 'Light rose color, very fragrant; large and full; 
useful for pillars. 

ChenedoUe, (June) — Bright red, double, very large; a valuable 
sort. 

Cherokee Rose, (evergreen) — Large, single flowers, pure white; 
very fragrant. 

Comte cV Espremesnil-::-YigOYOus flowers; lilac, semi-double and 
very fragrant; it is highly esteemed, is perfectly hardy; 
belongs to the Rugosa family. 

Coupe d' Hebe, (June) — Dark pink, large size, cup form; a very 
distinct rose. 

Double Margined Hej), (June)- A hesuiiiul lose, white, tinged 
with pink; flat form; full and good. 

Fortuve's Double Yellou-, (evergreen) — Bronzed yellow or copper 
and fawn centre; very pretty and sweet. 

Harrison's Yelloiv, (Austrian) — Golden yellow, medium size,senii- 
double. 

Madame Hardy, (June) — White, large, very full, flat form, very 
fragrant; a very beautiful sort. 

Madame Lacharme, (June) — "White, tinged with pink, medium 
size, full and of globular form; very hardy. 

Madame Plantier, (June) — One of the June roses, at which time 
it is literally covered with pure white, perfectly double, 
fragrant flowers, which hang on for a long time: makes 
large, dense bushes. We have seen jilants five feet in diame- 
ter with hundreds of blooms open at a time; as hai'dy as an 
oak; a beautiful cemetery rose. 

Madame Zoetman, (June) — Delicate flesh, changing to white; 
large, very full, flat form, fragrant; a splendid white 
variety. 

Mademoiselle Emma Hall. (June)— Carmine rose; globular form, 
of good size and very fragrant; an excellent summer rose. 

Paid Verdier, (June) — A beautiful shade of bright red, globular 
flowers; a splendid sort. 

Persian Yelloiv, (Austrian)— Bright yellow; small, full, well-form- 
ed flowers; must be pruned sparingly. 



84 THE HOME FLORIST. 



Queen of Ayrshire, (Ayrshire)— Violet crimson, semi-double, 
small flowers; a fine garden rose. 

Queen of the Belgians, (Ayrshire)— Pure white, double and sweet. 

Rubus Grandiflora — Large, double, pvu-e white flowers; very 
showy and desirable; known as the bridal rose. 

Rubus Roscefolius Coronarius—A new dwarf Rubus; rose-color- 
ed flowers. 

Rugosa Alba— Single, jiure white flowers, highly scented. 

Rugosa i?»&ro— Rosy red. tinged with violet; single and fra- 
grant. The Rosa Rugosa are splendid shrubs for borders. 
The three varieties we name in this list are higlily com- 
mended. 

Stanwell Perpetual, (Scotch) — Blush, medium size, double, deli- 
cately scented. 

Sweet Briar or Eglantine, (evergreen)— The delicious fragrance of 
the leaves of this old favorite keeps it in demand; fine for 
hedges. 

Wliite Baitknia, (Banksia) — Pure white, very small, very full and 
double; blooms in panicles; has the delicious fragrante of 
the violet; somewhat tender: splendid for the south. 

White Microphylla, (evergreen— Alba Odorata)— Medium-sized 
flowers; very double, white and sweet scented; bright, 
glossy leaves. 

Yellcxo Banksia, (Banksia)— Like White Banksia, except the 
color, which is clear yellow; it too is a most grand and 
charming acquisition for cultivation in a southern <-lime. 

TENDER ROSES— MONTHLY. 

In the division of Tender Roses certain characteristics are found 
that i-ender the various classes of them, perhaps, the most desira- 
ble of all Roses for ordiuaiy cultivation. They are natives of 
warm countries, like China, Bengal, the isle of Bourbon, etc., and 
although all the varieties will bear considerable freezing, and 
^ome are almost entirely hardy, even in the north, their natural 
propensities to grow and flower, more or less, continually — month- 
ly, as it is termed — remains unchanged with l)eing removed to 
our climate, and with jiroper tieatment and a suitabU* tempera- 
ture in winter, in the window or conservatory, they may be had 
to flower almost the year through. In the mikl climate of our 
Southern Stat»'s they continue to grow and bloom in the open air 
with little interruption. By suitable ])rotection at the approach 



THE HOME FLORIST. 85 

of cold weather, or by wintering in a cold jjit or cellar, they are 
easil}' managed to thrive in the open air in our Northern States, 
and produce an abundance of bloom from June until October and 
November. 

BOURBON ROSES. —This is the hardiest class of this division, 
being nearly, but not quite, hardy in the latitude of Buffalo. Al- 
though some of the varieties do not flower as frequently as do 
those of other classes of tender rcses, the flowers are jiroduced in 
large clusters, are of large size, well shaped, bright and varied in 
color, fragrant and lasting, for which reason they are always 
found very satisfactory to grow. Some, among which the Her- 
mosa stands prominent, are unequaled for their free flowering 
qualities, in the open air, and nearly so for pot culture and win- 
ter flowering. All are vigorous growers, with rich, luxuriant 
foliage, and are quite certain of giving satisfaction to cultivators. 

BENGAL OR CHINA ROSES-The varieties of these through- 
out are free flowering, of thrifty growth and rather compact 
form, and while the flowers probably do not average as large as 
those of the Bourbon and other sections, the plants, if bedded 
out, are certain to be covered with a larger number of buds and 
flowers of their characteristically brilliant colors than any other 
class cultivated. They require to be well protected during win- 
ter in the north. Very desirable for pot culture. The Agrippina, 
a well-known type of this class, is unequaled as a fine rose for 
growing in pots and for summer bedding. 

TEA- SCENTED AND FORCING ROSES.— Of these beautiful, 
sweet Roses, it may be said, with mild justice to their many 
good qvialities, that while the Rose finds devoted cultivators, they 
will rank high among fine kinds in many respects This is par- 
ticularly true of the exquisite, deliciously fragrant, bud varieties, 
which, in the estimation of cultivated tastes, are lovely and at- 
tractive above the majority of flowers in our collection, and many 
of them remarkably suitable for pot cultivation, in the window 
or conservatory, being of fine habit and very productive. In 
our own experience in cultivating these in greenhouses, where the 
varieties Marchal Niel. Perle des Jardius, Safrano, Isabella Sprunt 
and Bon Silene are grown largely for our cut-flower trade, the 
plants never fail to produce a constant daily supply duiing the 
winter, and almost continually through the year besides. To show 
their appreciable value, I will state that these find ready pur- 
chasers all through cold weather, at the uniform price of fifteen 



86 THE HOME FLORIST. 



to forty c-ents per Imd, just as cut from the jtlants, wliich is nearly 
twice the money realized for other Roses at the same time. The 
entire class is perhaps more susceptible to injury from cold than 
most other Roses, but nevertheless their general habit is healthy 
and vigorous, and when growing in the open ground some of them 
are jn-olitic of buds and flowers all during the summer. By care- 
fully lifting such plants in October and giving them i)rotection in 
a first-class cold pit dvuing winter, returning then to the open 
ground in spring, they will thrive from year to year bedded out 
the same as any other class of tender Roses. Some of the Tea- 
scented Roses are too double to be classified as bud varieties— a 
few of which are not fully double when open. These produce 
large flowers of the unapproachable tints, shades and colors, and 
possessed of the exquisite fragrance for which this class is peculiar. 
NOISETTE ROSES.— This class, although quite limited in num- 
ber of varieties, is of great value for permanent planting in the 
soil of a greenhouse or conservatory, as on account of their free 
climbing habits they can be permanently trained to the rafters 
and trellises. Plants, after having spread to some distance, pro- 
duce immense crops of beautiful, fragrant and fine colored 
flowers at short inter^-als. Severe pruning of the young shoots is 
necessary to secure the best results. By keeping the leading 
branches well cut back, numerous varieties of this class are ex- 
cellent for growing as ordinary pot roses and for bedding in 
summer. 

HYBRID TEA ROSES. 

The New Hybrid Tea Roses, iatelj' inti'oduced from Europe. are 
so distinct and beautiful, and aie attracting so much attention, 
that we class them by themselves. These splendid varieties rep- 
resent an entirely new and distinct type or class of Roses, the re- 
sult of a cross between varieties of the Hybrid Perpetual or Re- 
montant Roses and the Teas. The great advantage claimed for 
them is, that they combine the hardiness of the Hybrid Perjiet- 
uals, with the constant blooming qualities, rich and delicate col- 
oring, and delightful fragrance of tlie Tea Roses. Most of them 
are probably hardy in the Middle States, and they are well worthy 
of extensive and thorough trial by all who love rare and beauti- 
ful Roses. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 8/ 



POLYANTHA ROSES. 

This is an interesting group from Japan, of comparatively re- 
cent introduction. The foliage and flowers are both very small, 
the latter being produced in panicles. The original varieties are 
non-remontant, but are crosses or hybrids, natural or artificial, 
between the singled-fiowered Polyantha and varieties of other 
classes, Teas, etc. They are ever-blooming, of slender growth, 
and will probably prove more hardy than most of the Teas Their 
character of blossoming in panicled clusters gives them a dis- 
tinctive interest, and they are much esteemed by those who have 
seen them. 

BOURBON ROSES. 

They are not quite hardy, but a very slight protection suffices 
them. They are continual bloomers, mostly of rapid growth, 
with rich, luxuriant foliage, and are the most beautiful in the 
autumn. The flowers are for the most part, produced in clusters, 
and generally of a light color, well shaped and somewhat fra- 
grant. Some of the freest and most constant blooming Roses are 
contained in this section, Hermosa and Malmaison having but 
few e.iuals for freedom and continuity. 
Abbe Oirardin — Vigorous, flowers large, full and well formed, 

color satiny rose, deeper in the centre ; very distinct and 

free. 
Alfred Aubert — A vigorous grower and profuse bloomer; flowers 

as well shaped as '"Hermosa," of a bright red color. 
Ajyolline— Delicate rose, heavily shaded with pink, exceedingly 

sweet, very large, full and double; one of the best. 
Bouquet de Marie — Deep rose, tinted, and veined silver white; 

free bloomer; very fragrant. 
Comtessede Barbantine — Flesh color, changing to white; beau- 
tiful cup shaped flowers. 
Comtesse de Rocquigney — Color white, delicately tinted with rosy 

salmon; full, globular form, fragrant and desirable. 
Duchess de Tliurivge—Beauixiwl silver rose, finely cupped, full 

and sweet; free bloomer. 
Edward Des/osses— Carmine rose, medium size, full and double, 

very sweet and a most excellent variety. 
Emotion — Rose, tinged with lilac, changing to blush and clear 

rose, full and fragrant. 



88 



THE HO^IE FLORIST. 




Queen of Bedders. 



George Peahody — Rosy crimson, medium size. fall, well formed, 
fragrant; one of the best Bourbons, highly commended. 

Gloire des Ronomanes — Vigorous growtli, brilliant crimson, semi- 
double, but very effective; fragrant. 

Henri Plantier — A charming sort, color clear rose, medium size, 
very sweet and blooms in i)rofusion. 

Ilermosd — Always in bloom and always l)eautiful. The flower is 
cupped, finely formed and full; color the most pleasing 
shade of pink, soft but deep; very fragrant; a standard 
variety. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 89 



Imperatrice Engenie — Silvery rose, large, very full and fragrant; 

a most excellent sort. 
Leveson Goifer— Deep rose, tinged with salmon. This variety is 

very scarce and much sought after as a companion for 

"Malmaison." 
Louis Odier — Another old variety of great mei'it, bright rose, 

medium size, full, well formed, hardy. 
Madame Bosanquet — A fine old variety, much esteemed; pale 

flesh, shaded with deep rose, large size, very double and 

sweet. 
Madame Isaac Pereire — Carmine red, very large, full, free 

blooming; a charming new rose. 
Madame Jeanne Jonbert — Fine, rich crimson; a solid and brilliant 

color; flowers large, compact and full; fragrant. 
Madame Pierre Oger — Beautiful flesh color, the exterior of petals 

marbled with soft, rosy lilac, double flowers of cupi^ed 

form; a fine and distinct rose. 
Madame Rivoiiy—A companion rose for Sombreuil, except in 

color, which is of a beautiful rich crimson scarlet, very 

large, fine form ; very fragrant. 
Malmaison a Jleur Rouge — Said to have all the good qualities of 

Souvenir de la Malmaison, which sort it resembles, except 

in color, which is a bright clear red; extra fine. 
Marquis de Balbiano — Splendid soft, rosy blush; edges and re- 
verse of petals, silver rose, full and sweet. 
Monthly Cabbage — Deep rose red, large, globular shape; good 

bloomer; fragrant. 
Peerless — Rich crimson; blooms in clusters; very sweet. 
Perle d' Angers— Flowers very large, color glossy flesh white, 

very delicate; a magnificent rose. 
Pierre de St. C^?-— Bright rose, large and double, full and sweet; 

a vigorous grower. 
Pink Daily— Bright pink; flowers produced in clusters in the 

greatest profusion. 
Queen of Bedders — Very rich, dark, velvety crimson; very free 

blooming; flowers compact and full; one of the best crim- 
son bedders; a grand sort. 
Queen of Bou7^bons— A splendid rose, large, fine form, full and 

sweet, color clear carmine, changing to clear I'ose; petals 

edged with white. 
Med Malmaison— See "Malmaison a fleur Rouge." 



go THE HOMK FLORIST. 



Robtista — Very large, double flowers, full and sweet, clear carna- 
tion red, sliaded and veined with rf)sy crimson; very beau- 
tiful. 

Sir Joaeph Pd-rton — Deep red, slightly tinged with violet, medium 
size, full and well formed. 

Sovihreuil — A strong grower, pushing up long, heavy shoots, each 
bearing a cluster of floweis. large and full, creamy white, 
often tinted with pink; a valuable sort for culture in the 
open air. 

Souvenir de la Malmaison — A noble rose. The flower is extreme- 
ly large and double to the centre; color flesh white, clear 
and fresh; has been considered the finest Bourbon rose for 
40 years. Its great beauty in the fall makes it one of the fin- 
est of all roses at that season; a flower that is universally 
pojiular and will always be so. 

CHINESE OR BENGAL ROSES. 

The China or Bengal Roses are dwarf and flower with the great- 
est profusion all through summer and fall, making excellent 
edges for beds of other roses and fine pot plants. Their flowers 
are not equal in size and fragrance to those of the Teas, but they 
consist chiefly of rich, dark colors, wliicli are scarce in the other 
sections of the Ever Blooming Roses. They make grand bedders. 
Abbe 2Iailand — Dark, rosy crimson; large, full, vigorous. 
Admiral Rigncy — Rich, carmine rose, large flowers, full and 

handsome; constant and profuse. 
Agrippina — Rich crimson, specially valuable for its fine buds; 
useful for bedding out; the best of the class brought from 
China about 17S9; much esteemed. 
Arch Duhe Charles — Brilliant, rosy crimson, very full and ex- 
tremely sweet; a splendid rose; heavy foliage. 
Beau Carinine— Fine carmine red, very rich color, good size, dou- 
ble, fragrant and desirable. 
Cramoisi Siipericur — Rich, velvety crimson, double, fine in the 

bud; a good bedding variety. 
Crivison Bcdder — Bright, fiery red, velvety; its habit and bloom- 
ing qualities combine to nuike it the best scarlet bedding 
rose for massing, etc.; recommended. 
DouglasH — Dark, rich crimson; buds of good shape; very free 
flowering, highly recommended; a valuable variety foi: 
house culture. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 9I 



Eugene Beauharnais—Besiutifiil crimson, illuuiined with fiery red; 

a good variety. 
Green Rose— See '"Virldi flora." 
La Phoenix— Red, shaded crimson; free bloomer, flowers medium 

size and double; delicious fragrance. 
Louis Philippe — Eich dark, velvety crimson, full and beautiful; 

one of the best for bedding. 
Lucullus — Beautiful dark crimson maroon, large, full and fra- 
grant; a constant and profuse bloomer; extra good for out- 
door culture. 
Madame Julie Lasseau — Flowers large and full, free and con- 
stant; color a deep rose. 
Madame Lawrence— Vixxk button rose, about the size of a ten-cent 

piece; double and fragrant; the growth, foliage and liower 

are all miniature. 
Madame Lawrence — Crimson button rose, same as preceding, but 

deep crimson color. 
Nemesis — Splendid full, double flowers of dark velvety crimson; 

especially fine for massing when rich, dark colors are 

wanted. 
President d' Olbecque — Bright, purplish crimson, large, full and 

fragrant; a profuse bloomer. 
Purple China— Rich, purplish crimson; velvety; one of the most 

constant and free blooming in the class. 
Queen of France — Fine, brilliant red, shaded with dark crimson; 

good size flowers, full and very profuse. 
Queen's Scarlet — Dazzling crimson scarlet; has beautiful buds, 

which are much prized for cut flowers; sweet scented, 

hardy. 
Roi deCranoisi — Bright, purplish crimson, full and very double; 

good size, free and fragrant; a charming rose, 
Sanguinea— Br iMi-Aut crimson, good size. This variety is much 

prized, both for pot culture and for massing in beds: one 

of the best. 
Souvenir de David — Fine, rich crimson; good grower; large, full 

and fragrant; constant bloomer. 
Viridi flora— The flowers of this variety are pure green, quite 

doublej a great curiosity, both in bud and flower, 



92 



THE HOME FLORIST, 



TEA ROSES— EVER-BLOOMING. 




Tea Rose. 

Tea Roses are celebrated the world over for their delicious fra 
grance and the exquisite forms and rich, charming tints of thei: 
flowers, and may well be taken as a synonym for all that is deli- 
cately beautiful. What refinement of color; what subdued, yet 
powerful fragrance do they possess ! They may be justly called 
the sweetest of all roses. The flowers, many of them are large 
and very delicate in their shades of color, such as white, straw, 
salmon, and various tints of rose combined with them. While, 
as a rule, they are inferior to the Hybrid Perpetuals in brilliancy 
of color and fullness of flower, the distinctions between varieties 
are marked, and for bouquets and cut flowers they excel all other 
flowers. Like other tender roses, their flowers improve in (juality 
as tlie season advances, and reach perfection in the autumn. In 
judging the merits of a Tea Rose, we do not consider fullness of 
flower a requisite. A Hybrid Perpetual is nothing if not at least 
moderately double; but many of our most valued Ti'as have but 
very few petals, and are comparatively single. All these have 



THE HOME FLORIST. 93 

exquisitely-formed buds, and are therefore prized as invaluable. 
The Teas are more tender than any of the other classes and need 
a little more care in their protection. They form the largest and 
most popular section of the Ever- Blooming Roses, producing an 
endless succession of flowers in a favorable climate, and even at 
the north blooming from the time they are planted until stopped 
by freezing weather. Teas should be planted in a rich, warm 
soil, where they will be kept constantly growing, for they bloom 
as they grow\ Where they continue to grow year after year, 
without being checked by hard freezing, they form immense 
masses of foliage covered with flowers of the largest size and pro- 
duced in the greatest abundance. 
Abbe Roustan — A splendid variety; large, full, globular flowers, 

very sweet; color beautiful creamy white; elegantly shaded 

rosy blush. 
^da7u— Bright fresh salmon rose, extra large size, double and 

full; free bloomer; delicious tea scent; a lovely rose. 
Adrieune Christople — A beautiful rose, very full and double and 

tea scented ; color a lovely shade of apricot, citron and fawn, 

tinged with soft rosy pink. 
4Z6a iiosea — Beautiful creamy white with rose- colored centre; 

petals shaded with blush; very double and fragrant. 
Aline Sisley — Flower is large and full, double and full; color a 

rare shade of violet rose, brightened with crimson maroon; 

a fruity, pleasant fragrance. 
Amazone — Yellow, reverse of petals, veined with rose; long, well- 
formed buds; a charming rose. 
American Banner — The flowers are bright red, distinctly striped 

and marked with pure white. The colors are well defined 

and every bud and flower are deeply striped. It is fragrant 

and a profuse bloomer when full grown ; a rose of merit. 
Andre Schwartz — Beautiful crimson free flowering variety, pretty 

buds; new and distinct. 
Atma Ollivier — Lovely creamy blush, shaded with deep carmine, 

tinged add edged with silver; rose fragrant, large and full; 

a superb rose. 
Arch Duchess Isabella— 'La.rge, full form, delightfully fragrant; 

white, shaded with rosy carmine, changing to amaianth; 

makes lovely buds; a constant and profuse bloomer. 
Baron de St. Triviers — Flowers very large, full, and of fine form, 

color a delicate flesh rose; fine winter bloomer; vigorous 



94 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




American Banner. 

Baron Alexander de Vrits - Beautiful pale blush rose, delicately 

tinged with carnation red; flowers are borne in clusters, 

are large, full and very fragrant. 
Baronne Siuet 11 — Color deep yellow with darker centre, outer 

petals slightly sliaded pink, of good form; a charming sort. 
BeWa— Pure snow white; splendid, long-pointed buds, tea scented; 

large size, full and doid)le; an excellent sort. 
Belle Maconrise—'Pi\\e, salmon rose; buds orange fawn; large, 

full and fine form ; vigorous. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 95 



Belle Fleur d'Anjou— An elegant rose, large, full and double, 
delightfully fragrant; color beautiful silver rose; beautiful, 
large, pointed buds; a good sort. 
Binaqiii— White, shaded with flesh color; a distinct, beautiful 

rose, full and fragrant. 
Blanche Nabonnand — Habit vigorous; flowers very large, double 
and of very fine shape, imbricated; color pure white; a con- 
tinuous bloomer. 
Bon Silene— Grown by every florist for its highly-colored buds, 
dark carmine rose, often changing to crimson. The buds 
are very handsome and produced in great profusion; a 
strong, healthy grower; one of the best for pot culture. 
Botigere— Bronzed pink, tinged with lilac; large and full, thick 
Ijetals; one of the handsomest ; an old variety, yet one 
of the most desirable. 
Canary— Light canary yellow, beautiful buds and flowers, very 

fragrant; an old and much-esteemed variety. 
Caroline — Rosy flesh, deeper towards centre, jirettily-formed 

buds, highly tea scented; very free flowering. 
Catherine 3Iermet~A beautiful, clear flesh color, with the same 
silvery lustre seen in La France; large, full, well formed, 
very beautiful in the bvid; when the flowers expand they 
exhale a delightful perfume; the finest of all the Teas. 
Cels-Midtiflora — A fine old variety, much valued; flowers in clus- 
ters, medium size, full and double, pale flesh, deepening to 
rose. 
Charles Covelli — A charming tea rose; lai'ge, globvilar flowers, 
full and sweet; color a lovely shade of brilliant carmine, 
changing to silver rose. 
Clara Sylvain — Creamy white, good, full form, very double and 

fragi'ant; a sjilendid variety. 
Clement Nabonnand— Charmmg buds and beautiful flowers; color 
coppery rose, tinged with purplish crimson; a constant and 
profuse bloomer; very sweet. 
Comtede Paris -Beantitnl clear silver rose, shaded with rosy 
flesh: large, full flowers, sweet, an old variety, much es- 
teemed. 
Comtesse de Labarthe—Yew roses equal this in freedom of flower- 
ing; none surpass it in fragrance. The flowers are cup- 
shaped; color a rich pink shaded with carmine and amber; 
pretty in bud and flower; a grand i-ose. 



g6 THE HOME FLORIST. 

Comte Taverna — Pure white with lemon-yellow centre and shad- 
ing, deliciously scented; a beautiful sort. 

Comtesse Alban de ViUeneuve — Extra large, full and regular; color 
a peculiar shade of rosy peach, faintly passing to silvery 
white; very pretty and sweet. 

Comtesse de Nadaillac—Coiipery yellow, illumined with carmine 
rose; large, full, distinct and effective; highlj^ esteemed. 

Comtesse Riza dii Pare— Flowers very large, full, double and 
sweet; color bright coppery rose, tinged and shaded with 
soft violet crimson; a strong gi'ower and profuse bloomer. 

Coquette de Lyoti — Flowers canary yellow, medium size, some- 
times called the "Yellow Hermosa" on account of its free- 
dom in flowering. The plant has a charming effect covered 
with its beautiful yellow blooms; very constant and free. 

Cornelia Cvok—See "Cornelie Koch."' 

Cornelie Koch — This beautiful rose is now in great demand for its 
magnificent buds, which are of immense size and oi lovely 
form. The color is pure white; delightful tea fragrance, 
known as "Cornelia Cook." 

Curt ScJiuWieis — Large, full flowers; color a rosy salmon or cop- 
pery yellow, tinged with rose; very distinct and beautiful; 
sweet and a free bloomer, 

David Fradle — An old and much-esteemed variety; very large 
size, full and sweet; color lilac rose. 

Devoniensis—^lagnoUix rose, beautiful, creamy white, with rosy 
centre; large, full, and delightfully sweet; tea-scented ; one 
of the finest roses. 

Doctor Bcrthet — Beautiful silvery pink and dark carmine, passing 
to rosy crimson; cup shaped, very double and sweet. 

Due de Magenta — Flesh, shaded with fawn, thick petals, full, 
very large; a splendid tea rose. 

DiieJtesse de Brabant— See "Comtesse de Labarthe." 

Duchess of Edinburgh — A splendid rose, in great demand for its 
lovely buds, and remarkable for its beautiful tolor, whith 
is themo.st intense glowing scarlet. 

Edward (iontier — Full, line-shaped flowers, quite double and of 
good size; pure white, with a deep yellow centre, occasion- 
ally tinted with pink: constant bloomer; superb. 

EliseSauvage — Orange yellow, medium size, full and double; an 
excellent sort. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 97 

Empereur de Russia — Beautiful pinkish scarlet; g;ood form and 
habit; free bloomer; fragrant. 

Euf ant de Lyon— CvGan\j T^ink centre, rosy blush; an excellent 
bloomer; its fragrance is quite distinct from that of any 
other rose; not unlike sweet Anise; desirable. 

Etendard de Jeanne d'Avc — Flowers fine, well formed and of 
good substance; color creamy white, passingto pure white; 
one of the finest of the class; robust grower. 

Etoile de Lyon — Beautiful chrome yellow, deepening at the cen- 
tre to pure golden yellow; flowers very large, very double 
and full, and deliciously fragrant; a grand bedding vai-iety. 

Eugene Patete — Color violet crimson with rose and yellow; a 
strong, vigorous grower; very fine. 

Flavescens — Light yellow, long, fine buds; fragrant; introduced 
from China about 1824; of delicate habit, commonly known 
as "Yellow Tea." 

Flora Nahonnand — Canary yellow, edged with rofe; a most 
charming sort; large, full and exquisitely sweet. 

General Schableki)ie— Rich, glowing crimson, large, Avell-formed 
flowers, highly tea-scented; esteemed for its constant win- 
ter-blooming qualities. 

General Tart as — Deep mottled rose, sometimes tinged with buff; 
beautiful buds; good habit; an excellent rose. 

Gerard Deshois — Bright glowing red of good form; one of the 
hardiest and most useful of the class. 

Helvetia— Salmon, with peach rose in the centre; large, very full; 
an extra fine tea. 

Homer — Flowers very beaiitifully formed and handsome in bud; 
color soft clear rose with a salmon shade; a good garden 
rose; extra fine. 

Honorable Edith Gifford - Flowers large, of heavy texture, very 
fine, both in bud and open flower; color flesh wiiite or 
cream, with very distinct light pink centre; an exquisite 
rose. 

Ida — A lovely rose, medium size, full and double; pale canary 
yellow; fine buds. 

Isabella Sprunt — Well known as one of the most useful kinds; 
grows luxuriantly and literally lavishes its long lemon-yel- 
low buds from early spring till frost in the fall. 
Janne d' Or— Fine coppery yellowy full, globular form; very dou- 
ble; highly tea-scented; one of the sweetest in the class. 



98 THE HOME FLORIST. 

Jean Duclier — Bronzed rose; large, very full, globular form; very- 
beautiful. 
Jean Per net — Light yellow, suffused with salmon ; beautiful buds; 

a magnificent variety. 
Jeanne Abel — Above medium size; flowers of the purest pink, the 

centres of a deeper rose tint; habit compact and very free 

flowering. 
Jules Finger — Elegant and valualile; flowers large and finely 

formed; very full and sweet; color bright rosy sc.irlet. 

beautifully shaded with intense crimson: free l)loomer. 
Jnlie Mansais — Creamy wliite. large and full: very sweet-scented; 

very beautiful. 
Ketten Freres— Of vigorous habit: floAvers very large, double and 

of fine form; imbricated; remarkable for its beautiful 

color; a grand rose. 
La Chamoise — Bright orange yellow: a peculiar shade in roses, of 

delicate habit: flowers are single, but pretty in the bud. 
La FJ^fVifere — Deep salmon rose, lai'ge and showy; very free 

flowering and vigorous. 
La Grandeur — Beautiful lilac rose, tinted with pale violet purple: 

large, full flowers, deliriously scented. 
La Jonquil — Brilliant Jonquil yellow, se'ui-double, sometimes 

single, medium or small-size: the most intense yellow rose 

extant; pretty buds. 
La Nuancee— Fine salmon rose, tinged with fawn and coppery 

yellow; charming buds: an elegant variety. 
La Princess Vera - One of the finest tea roses; very full and ilou- 

ble; immense buds, wliich are prettily shaped and (juite 

distinct: color pale flesh, changing to salmon rose, shaded 

with carmine; very sweet: tea scented; a magnificent sort. 
La SylpJiidc — Blush, with fawn centre; very large and double: a 

grand rose. 
La Tnlip — Creamy white, tinted with carmine: full and fragrant: 

beautifully formed: a vigorous grower. 
Lady Warrender — Pure white, sometimes shaded with rose: me- 
dium size; very fragrant: a very pretty rose. 
Laureffe — Delicate creamy white, shaded with rose; flesh-colored 

centre, fine, full form: fragrant: sometimes finely dotted 

with dark rose. 
Le Mont Bktnc-'P:\]e lemon yellow, growing lighter as the 

flowers expand; very cliarming buds. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 99 

VElegante — Of medium size; full, good shape; coloi* vivid rose, 

centre yellow, shaded and striped with white; very free 

blooming; truly an elegant variety. 
Le Nankin — Pale yellow, shaded with coppery yellow ; pretty buds. 
Le Paetole — Very free flowering, elegant buds; color pale sulphur 

yellow; much esteemed. 
Letty Coles— Soft, rosy pink, deeply shaded with crimson; extra 

large, full form, exceedingly sweet; superb. 
Louisa (le la Rive — Habit vigorous; flovers large, double, and of 

fine form imbricated; color flesh white, inclined to rose in 

the centre; a constant winter bloomer. 
Louis Richard — Eich, coppery rose, changing to carmine; large 

size, full form; tea scented. 
Ma. Capucine — Nasturtium yellow, beautiful buds; a very dis- 
tinct rose of verj^ delicate habit. 
Madame Adelaide Risto)^i—A good bedding variety; color deep 

blush; large and full. 
Madame Amadieu— Flowers brilliant carmine with white centre; 

reverse of petals silver rose edged with purple; large and 

fragrant. 
Madame Angele Jacquier — Light, silvery rose, shaded throughout 

with coppery yellow; flowers large and of distinct form; 

free flowering; one of the finest new tea roses. 
Madame Azelie Inibert — Large, full form, double; color rosy buff 

with peach shading; fragrant. 
3Iadame Barthelemy Levet—Csmsa-y yellow, medium size, full and 

sweet. 
Madame Bernard — Coppery yellow, medium size, very free flower- 
ing; quite a distinct and grand rose. 
Madame Bernoit Derroches - Dark, glossy pink, prettily tinged 

with yellowish buff; base of petals white; flowers large, 

sweet and full. 
Madame Bravy—CaBary white, large, full and very symmetrical 

form and great fragrance; one of the most beautiful tea 

roses. 
Madame Brest— A splendid dark colored rose, shading to crimson; 

flowers very large and double, and handsome when fully 

open. 
Madame Ca??u7Ze— Delicate rosy flesh, changing to salmon rose, 

shaded and suffused with deep carmine; tea fragrance; a 

magnificent variety. 



lOO THE HOME FLORIST. 



Madanw ('(ui>Ii)ic Kitsfcr — Brv^ht, \v\non yeWow, very large and 
lumtlsoinely Kha])e(l: one of the finest roses; verj' free 
flowering. 

Madame Chabaud de St. Mandrier — Extra large, full flowers; 
color copper^' or buff rose, elegantly tinted and shaded with 
golilen yellow: ])retty and fragrant. 

Madame Chedane Gidimiseau — Sulphur yellow, shaded canary; a 
very free flowering sort; valuable. 

Madame Ciisin — Violet rose tinged with yellow; a profuse bloom- 
ing variety; extra. 

Madame Damaizin — Beautiful salmon rose, changing to amaranth 
and bright pink; a magnificent flower. 

Madame Deniiin — Wax white centre, fawn and flesh: flowers 
large, full and cupped; a distinct and fine rose with beau- 
tiful musk scent. 

Madame de St. Joseph — Fawn, shaded salmon; large, full, sweet- 
scented; highly esteemed. 

Madame de Vatry — Red, shaded with salmon, of good form, both 
in bud and flowers, and well scented; a very choice old 
sort 

Madame Devaueonx — Beautiful clear canary yellow: delicious tea 
fragrance; very double and full; a lieautiful sort. 

Madame de Wiitteville— White, shaded with salmon: outer petals 
edged with bright rose; large flowers, but not coarse; of 
peculiar odor; petals evenly arranged. 

Madame Dnbroca — Growth vigorous; flowers large and double; of 
fine shape; has a perfect habit; color delicate rose, shading 
to yellow at base of petals; a new color. 

Madame Elise Stchegoleff—SiWevy white, beautifully clouded 
with crimson and tinged with pale yellow; large, fine 
flowers; very full and sweet. 

Madame Eugenie Verdier— Very large, finely-formed flowers of 
good shape; color dark salmon yellow: highly comme::ded. 

Madame Falcot— Fine, ai)ricot yellow with beautiful butls; tea 
scented; a constant bloomer; much esteemed. 

Madame Francois Jo?*??*— Orange yellow, small size; buds of ex- 
quisite shape; very distinct, both in color and its peculiar 

fragrance. 
Madame Francois Levet— Beautiful, creamy yellow, tinged with 
rosy blush; very large and double: commended. 



THE HOME FLORIST. lOI 

Madame Hippolyte Jamain—'Large and very double, fine cup 

form, white with yellow centre, delicately shaded with pink. 

tea fragrance, extra fine. 
Madame Joseph Halphin — Salmon pink, with yellowish centre; an 

elegant variety. 
Madame Joseph Schtvartz — White, flushed with rose, changing to 

flesh white, flowering in clusters; full and well-formed 

buds. 
Madame Jules Margottin — Bright pink with crimson centre; large 

and double; very sweet; full and fine. 
Madame Jure — Lilac rose, good size and substance, fragrant; a 

very pretty and desirable sort. 
Madame Lambard—A fine large rose of elegant form, very full 

and sweet; color a peculiar shade of silver bronze; buds 

bright cheiTy red; a valuable variety. 
Madame Leon de St. Jean — Carmine and orange, changing when 

open to blush rose tinted with fawn and citron; exceedingly 

fragrant; an excellent rose. 
Madame Leone Ferrier — Growth vigorous; flowers large and full; 

buds perfect and of fine form; color flesh white; excellent. 
Madame Margottin — This is a great rose, always a favorite; very 

large, perfectly double flowers, elegantly perfumed; beau- 
tiful cition yellow with coppery centre; bright foliage. 
Madame Maurice Kujypenheim — Flowers of elegant form, large 

and full; color pale canary yellow, faintly tinged with pink, 

shaded with coppery rose; sweet, handsome and desirable. 
Madame Melanie Willermoz — Creamy white, thick petals, large, 

full and fi-agrant; an excellent sort for out-door culture. 
Madame Paidine Labonte—Sulmon rose, large and full: good in 

the bud; will give the most bloom planted out of any tea; 

an old and excellent sort. 
Madame Remand — Medium size, handsome form, color yellowish 

white, centre dai'ker; very fragrant. 
Madame Welehe—Yerj large, double and beautifully formed; 

soft, pale yellow, shaded in the centre with orange and 

copper; blooms freely; one of the finest teas. 
Mademoiselle Cecile Berthod—A grand rose, extra large size, very 

fragrant, very double; color deep clear yellow. 
Mademoiselle Lazarine Poizeau—EvighX, daffodil; a very distinct 

color in roses; prettiest in bud; of delicate habit. 



I02 THE HOME FLORIST. 



Mademoiselle Marie ^-l/vua/JfZ— Elegant canary yellow, changing 

to white, with reddish bulT centre; large, full and fra- 
grant; rare and elegant. 
^ladeiiioiscUe Marie Bitrton — Pale yellow; very free flowering; 

full and very double; fragrant, a magnificent sort. 
Mademoiselle Marie Moreau — Pale, silvery white, elegantly flush- 
ed with crimson and yellow; large, finely formed flowere, 

full and sweet. 
Mademoiselle Rachel— A lovely tea rose, pure snow white; the 

purest white tea rose; makes beautiful buds; a most 

charming variety ; deliciously fragrant. 
Marcelin Roda — Pale lemon yellow, deepening toward the centre 

to golden yellow; lovely buds and flowers; an esteemed sort. 
Mareehal Robert — Wliite, the centre shaded with flesh; very 

large and full; a fine sort. 
Marie Diicher — Salmon rose, large, very full; a free blooming 

kind of excellent habit. 
Marie Gxiillot — White, faintly tinged with j'ellow, large, full and 

splendid form; one of the most beautiful teas. This rose 

combines perfection in both shape and form. 
Marie Pare — Beautiful rosy flesh, delicately shaded red, with rich 

crimson centre; large, full flowers; very sweet. 
Marie Sisleij — An elegant rose, full and double; delicious tea 

s:;ent; color an exquisite shade of pale yellow, broadly 

margined with bright rose; superb. 
Marie Van Houtte — Pale j'ellow; edge of petals often lined with 

rose, well formed: of good habit, and in every respect a 

most charming sort. The finest tea for out-door culture. 
3Iarquis de San i ma -harge, j^lo\ni\Ar flowers, very double and 

sweet; deep coppery yellow with rose ceatre. 
Melville— Bright pink, changing to silver; roie good form; full 

and fragrant. 
Monsieur Furtado — Yellow, medium si7:e, well formed, very full; 

an excellent sort, of good habit: not nearly so much growu 

as it deserves. 
Nina — Silvery white, colored with rosy blush; medium size, full 

and sweet; a good rose. 
Niphetos — An elegant tea rose, very large and double: deliciously 

sweet; color ])ure, snow wliite; highly valued for its lovely 

buds, which are very large and pointed and borne on long 

stems. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



103 




'mm 

Niphetos. 

Odor at a — Carmine, changing to blush; large flowers, good in bud; 

one of the most fragrant. 
Olympe Frcesney — White, shaded yellow; full and large; free 

bloomer and very sweet. 
Ophelia — A charming variety with veiy pretty cream-white 

flower?, changing to pure white when open; fine in bud. 
Papa Gontier — Growth vigorous; flower large and full; vivid 

rose shaded with yellow, reverse of petals, purplish red. 
Paul Nabonnand — An elegant shade of satiny rose, large and 

lull; a charming free-blooming sort. 
Perfection de Monplaisir — Canary yellow, medium size, full, very 

free flowering; a splendid garden i"Ose. 



I04 THE HOME FLORIST. 



Perle des Jardins — Canary or golden yellow, large and beauti- 
fully formed buds, handsome in every stage of develop- 
ment, from the smallest bud to the open bloom; without 
doubt the finest dwarf yellow rose cultivated. The plant 
grows freely and the foliage is a picture in itself, being ex- 
(^uisitely edged with pink. The flowers have a delicious 
tea fragrance and are borne in great profusion; in every 
respect a superb and charming rose. See figure. 

Perle de Lyon — Yellow, with saffron centre; large, full and very 
fragrant; arose of fine quality. 

Premium de Charrissiens — Extra large, full and sweet; bright 
carmine rose with fawn centre; splendid buds; a good gar- 
den rose. 

President — Splendid large flowers and buds; color soft rosy crim- 
son, changing to brilliant carmine; very fragrant and beau- 
tiful. 

Princess of Wales — Color a rich rosy yellow, the centre deeper 
yellow; very chaste and waxy in appearance; long, pointed 
buds; very desirable. 

Red Safrano—See "Safrano a fleur Rouge." 

i?e(;«7».s -Large, perfect form, full and fragrant; color brilliant 
carmine with purple and rose shading; good for both house 
and garden; a splendid rose. 

Peine de Portugal— Coppery yellow, blending with rose; large, 
very full; an eminently distinct sort. 

Peine des Massi'fs — A low, bushy grower and profuse bloomer; 
flower medium size, full and sweet; color fine salmon yellow. 

Heine Emma des Pays i?fl.s— Bright yellow shaded with reddish 
salmon; large, full flowers, very fragrant; an elegant 
variety. 

Peine Marie Pia- Splendid large, full flowers, bright scarlet 
rose, with rich crimson centre; very fragrant and beauti- 
ful; lovely buds. 

Peine Olga de Wnrtemhnrg — Large, full and fine; color rosy 
flesh, delicately tinged with salmon yellow; petals mar- 
gined with crimson; blooms in clusters. 

Rosalie- A distinct and charming miniature rose, very pretty in 
bud; open flowers of good substance; very tree flowering; 
color a deep pink. 

Rosa Nabonna lid- iiro\vi\\\\gorous; flowers very large; double 
and imbricated; delicate rose, vivid in centre; extra fine. 



THE HOME FLORIST. I05 

Royal Tea — "White, faintly tinged with yellow; long, beautiful 
buds; raediuni size ; full and sweet. 

Rubens — Rosy flesh, deeiDer at centre; lai-ge, full, well formed: 
fine in the bud; an excellent variety. 

Safrano — Saffron and apricot yellow, exceedingly beautiful in 
the bud; very free flowering; much esteemed; deliciously 
tea scented. 

Safrano afleur Rouge— Ylowers bright salmon red, shaded with 
coppery red; semi-double; has a peculiar scent. 

Shirley Hibbard — A charming rose of medium size; full and dou- 
ble; color real Nankeen yellow; very distinct; extra fine. 

Souvenir cTElise Vardon — Flesh color shaded with rosy salmon; 
large, full and sweet; highly esteemed. 

Souvenir de Geoi'ges Sand— Ulegant and valuable; fine, large, full 
flowers; bright carmine buds, changing when open to red- 
dish amber, veined with crimson; very fragrant. 

Souvenir de Germain de St. Pierre— Growth vigorous; flowers 
large and full, with very large petals; purplish red; 
unique color in this class; very abundant bloomer. 

Souvenir de Mudain^, Fernet — Beautiful soft silvery rose, under- 
laid with yellow; large, full flowers; very handsome when 
in bud. 

Souvenir de Marie Tetrey — An elegant rose; large size, full, reg- 
ular form, very double and sweet; color i^ure white, flushed 
and tinted with soft, rosy crimson. 

Souvenir de Paul Neyron — White, beautifully tinged with clear, 
golden yellow; petals edged with rosy crimson; very dis- 
tinct and fine tea-scented. 

Souvenir de Theresa Level — Color fine scarlet, shaded darker; 
flowers large and freely produced ; a charnaing new rose. 

Souvenir d'un Ami — Fine delicate rose, shaded with salmon; 
very large, full and exquisitely fragrant; free bloomer; a 
i"ose that will jjlease the most exacting. 

Sunset — A beautiful, highly-colored rose of great merit. The 
color is a rich, tawny shade of saffron and orange, similar 
to, but deeper than the coloring of Safrano or Md. Talcot. 
In size, vigor and productiveness, it is the same as "Ferle 
des Jardines." The young foliage is of a rich crimson, 
which contrasts admirably with the orange-tinted safron 
flowers; exquisitely sweet and in all respects a superb rose. 
See figure. 



I06 THE HOME FLORIST. 

Hulphnreiix — Sulphur yellow, medium size; fine in the bud; fra- 
grant and profuse. 

Thcrese Loth— Fine carmine red, with deep rose shading; full and 
very sweet; free flowering: a good sort. 

Trionqjhe lie 3Jnan— White, sulTused with pale yellow; large, 
full, well-shaped flowers; a handsome variety. 

Triomphe dii Lu.veinbourg— Rosy carmine, finely nerved and 
shaded with salmon; the buds are very handsome; free in 
gi'owth and flower; one of the best old sorts. 

L7?ifg»e— White ground flamed with rose and purple; a beauti- 
fully colored rose. 

Vallee de Chamounix— The. coloring of this rose is simply ex- 
quisite; the base and back of petals is a bright yellow; the 
centre highly colored with glowing copper and ruse. 

Vicomtesse de Cazes— An exceedingly lovely rose, very sweet, 
very free flowering; color clear copper yellow in centre, 
changing to lighter on reverse of petals. 

Wliite Bon Silene— This is a sprout from tlie old Bon Silene, pos- 
sessing the same vigorous growth, the same free flowering 
qualities, and as hardy in constitution as the parent. The 
flowers are of pearly whiteness, and it is like gilding re- 
fined gold to say more in its favor than that it is a counter- 
part of the red Bon Silene. See figure. 

White Catherine jlfe/-7>?ef- Identical with "Catherine Mermet," 
except in color, which is of a pure pearly white; excellent. 

White Daily — Pure white, medium-sized flowers, which are 
borne in great profusion; constant; also known as White 
Tea. 

White Tea—fiee "White Daily." 

William Francis Bennett — This new rose is expected to fill a long 
felt want by taking the place of the old favorite, "General 
Jacqueminot," which rose it resembles in color, being a 
deep, rich crimson. Its bud in shai)e is long and slender, 
like "Niphetos," its size that of "]\Iarechal Niel." its fra- 
grance like "La France," and is be3-ond doubt the most de- 
licious of any rose extant. In the superlative sense it pos- 
sesses size, color, shape, fragrance, vigorous growth and 
freedom in blooming; will undoubtedly become popular. 

Yellow Tea— See "Flavescens," 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



107 




Noisette. 
NOISETTE OR EVER-BLOOMING CLIMBERS. 

This group is naturally of vigorous growth, nearly hardy, and 
produces large clusters of flowers freely throughout th.e summer 
and autumn. In fact, their distinguishing characteristic is their 



I08 THE HOME FLORIST. 



cluster-blooming habit; in a mild climate they become magnifi- 
cent climbers; nothing can be finer than a wall covered with Lam- 

arque. Solfaterre, or Cloth of Gold. Those in the South and Cali- 
fornia wishing climbing roses should plant them freely. 

Aimee Vibert, (Scandens) — Pure white, small, double flowers, 
produced in large clusters; nearly hardy. 

^mer/c«— Fawn yellow, changing to coppery yellow; large, full 
flowers. 

Augusta— See "Solfaterre." 

Beaute deV Europe — Deep yellow, reverse of petals, coppery yel- 
low, flowers very large, full and well made; superb. 

Beauty of Greenviount — Rosy red, medium size, hardy and vig- 
orous. 

Belle Lyonuise — Pale lemon yellow; large globular flowers, very 
full; a fine sort. 

Boqiiet d'Or — Orange yellow, with coppery centre; large, full 
and fine. 

Caroline Marniesse— Creamy white, small and full; hai'dy; much 
esteemed. 

Car Mne Schmitt — Blooms in clusters; flowers full and regular, 
color coppery rose, passing to buff and white; very pretty 
and fragrant. 

Celine Forest ier — Pale yellow, deepening towards the centre; 
hardy; one of the finest in the class. 

Chromatella — See "Cloth of Gold."' 

Claire Carnot—BuS. or orange yellow, with ijeach-blossom cen- 
tre; delight-ful tea scent; prettj^ and desirable. 

Climbing Devoniensis — Same as tea rose "Devoniensis," except of 
climbing, vigorous habit; one of the finest of tlie class. 

Climbing Hermosa—See "Setiua." 

Cloth of Gold — Deep golden yellow, with sulphur edges; large, 
full flcwer; a grand rose for the South. 

Estella Pradle — Lovely puie wliite buds; flowers medium size: 
full and sweet; profuse bloomer. 

Euphrosyne— Pale yellow, orange tinge, a free bloomer ; good 
grower; very fine sort. 

Felleviberg — Rosy crijnsou; strong, vigorous grower; hardy. 

Oloire de Dijo)i — In color a combination of rose, salmon and yel- 
low; flowers very large, very full; good globular form; a 
very useful rose. 



I 



THE HOME FLORIST. I09 



Isabella Gray — Deep, golden jellow, old and much esteemed. 

James Sprnnt — Deep velvety crimson; large flowers, full and 
very double; a grand rose. 

Lamarque — White, with sulphur centre; sometimes pure white; 
very large, full flowers, fi'agrant, and makes beautiful buds; 
an excellent rose. 

Lily Metschersky — Flowers double and well formed ; color violet 
red; vigoi'ous habit; very free flowering; a chai'ming rose. 

Madame Berard — A first-class variety; clear salmon pink, beau- 
tifully shaded, crimson and rose; lai-ge, finely -formed buds 
and flowers; full and sweet. 

Madame Celina Noirey— 'Extra, large, very double, full and sweet; 
color soft, rosy blush, beautifully shaded with deep red ; a 
splendid sort. 

Madame Louis Henry — Pale, silver rose, elegantly shaded with 
buff and salmon; large and full; very fragrant. 

Madame MiolanCarvalho — Deep, sulphur yellow, large and full; 
very double and sweet. 

Madame Trifle — Fawn and yellow; very large and full; a good 
sort. 

Marechal Niel — One of the largest, most beautiful roses grown; 
flowers deep golden yellow, very large, very full, globular 
form, delightfully fragrant; the finest of all the yellow 
roses. The buds are of immense size; a rose of great 
merit; highly esteemed. 

Marie Levelley — Habit extra vigorous; flowers large, full and of 
flne form; color vivid rose, shaded and lined with white; a 
splendid new rose. 

Musk Cluster— Creamj white; medium size; flowers in large clus- 
ters, with a delicate musk flavor; vigorous grower; excel- 
lent. 

Opliirie — Nasturtium yellow, suffused with coppery red; good 
size; double; a very distinct sort. 

Pit aloe — Soft, creamy white, deepening to rosy buff; amber cen- 
tre, very fragrant; large, double and fine. 

Pumila — Salmon rose, tinged with coppery red; large, full, sweet 
and very free bloomer. 

Reine Marie Henriette — Flowers large, full and of fine form; 
color beautiful cherry red; a pure shade, verj' double, very 
sweet; an extra fine sort; sometimes called red flowering 
"Glou-e de Dijon." 



no 



THE HOME FLORISl 



iJererf'Or— A beautiful pillar rose, hciuK a strong cliinl)er; color 
orauge yellow or rosy buff; good size, full and sweet; 
known also as "Golden Chain." 

iS'efnia— Identical with Herniosa, t'xcept I)eing of a vigorous 
climbing habit; recommended. 

Soifdfcnr—Fine, clear snli)liur yellow; large, double, full ;ind 
fragrant; an excellent climbing rose; valuable. 

Stcplidtiie ct JifHlolphe — Flowers )ne<lium size; ju'tnls ]>rettily im- 
bricated; full, sweet, color orange yellow, Hushed with rosy 
crimson. 

Tlieri'sc Gciicvay — A lovely rose, beautifully cupped form, full and 
<loul)le; very fragrant; color pea«;h blossom and fawn, 
shaded crimson. 

Trioniphe do. Rcinws — Canary yellow, the centre tinged with sal- 
mon; large, full and good. 

W. .1. IiicIi<(r(lson — Branches strong and spreading: tlowers of 
good size, full, of fine form; color orange yellow : a new 
shade of Noi.'^i'ttes. 

Washington — Medium size, pure wliite; blooms in large clusters; 
strong grower; sjWendid. 

Woodland Marqueriie — Di?\\vi\ii^ pure white, sometimes tinged 
with tlesh; mediujn size; free bh)omer; an excellent rose. 

HYBRID TEA ROSES. 



Tliis is a new group, ])roduci'd from crossing Teas with Hybrid 
Perjietuals. It is yet in an incipient state. AVMthin a few y^ai-s 
there will doubtli'ss be a great many varietit'S introduced. No 
group attracts more attention than this, and it is certainly des- 
tined to attain great jiopularity. La Frani-e, the oldest variety of 
the class, is probably more highly-prized by connoiseura than 
any other rose, and tliough nojie of the new varieties in this divi- 
sion have proved her eipial, tlu-re will yet be found some worthy 
c(>mi)aiiions among them. They are, in fact, indispensable, as 
neither the rosarian nor amatevn- can have a complete collection 
without them, embracing as they <lo a delicacy of color and per- 
fume found in no otheix. 
Aiitoinc Verdier—\ beautiful variety; flowers blight silvery rose. 

sliaded and tinged with a very rich carmine; a very free 

bloomer. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



Ill 




Hybrid Tea Rose. 

Antoine Mermet — Very large, full and of fine shape; the color is 

a rich, dark carmine pink, slightly shaded with pink; an 

elegant rose. 
Beauty of Stapleford - Deep rosy red, centre dark purplish, rose 

large and double, very handsomely formed; a riclily-colored 

and beautifully-shaped flower. 
Camoens — Large flower, of a bright silvery pink color, shaded 

with yellow; a very profuse bloomer; superb. 



112 THE HOME FLORIST. 



Cannea La Coquette — Very large, full flowers of perfect form; a 
new color, reddish salmon, with a shade of Va-ick red. 

Cheshiint Hybrid — Cherry carmine with a sh;ide of violet: flowers 
lart^e, fidl, sliglilly fragrant; distinct and tine. 

Cotmtess of Pe)iiI>roke — Flowers large and of exijuisite form; very 
full and higldy scented; color soft satiny pink, elegantly 
sluided with rosy peach; very sweet and distinc-t. 

Distinction Mauve color, shaded with reddish amber; very pretty 
and highly scented. 

Diichessof Connaught — Large, very full and finely-formed; color 
delicate silvery rose, with bright salmon centre; a charm- 
ing rose of excellent quality; highly-scented. 

Duchess of Westyninster - Satiny pink, shaded with rose, some- 
times carmine rose; large, full flowers; fragrant. 

Duke of C(mnaug1it Rosy crimson, large, full, well formed: lias 
charming buds; a fine rose. 

Hon. George Bancroft — Flowers very large, full and regular; color 
bright rosy crimson, elegantly tinged and shaded violet 
very l)eautiful. 

Julius Fi?«gfer— Salmon pink, large and full form and liabit jier- 
fect; a magnificent variety. 

La France — One of the most beautiful of all roses, and is un- 
equaUnl by any in its delicious fragrance; verj' large, very 
double and superbly formed. It is difficult to convey an 
idea of its beautiful coloring, but tbe prevailing color is 
light silvery pink, shaded with silvery peach. It flowei-s 
continuously throughout the season, often blooming so 
freely as to check the growth of the plant, in which case a 
portion of the buds should be removed: stands first among 
the roses of our climate. 

Lady Mary Fitztrilliams—F]o\vers extra large and globidar: (juite 
full and regidar; very fragrant and beautiful: color dehcate 
flesh, elegantly tinged with and)er. 

Madame Ale-vandre Bernai.r— Salmon rose, edged with hhisli: full 
globular form ; fragrant; very beautiful. 

Madame Eiieniie Levet— Cherry red, with a copperv shade; a good 
clear color, well-shaped buds, freely produced: agreeably 
perfumed. 

Madam Julie U>(V?//Hni— Flowers extra large; color clear silvery 
rose, tinged with coijjx'ry yellow, reverse of i)etals: violet 
crimson; a beautiful rose. 



riiE HOME FLORIST. 



113 




La France. 
Mademoiselle Brigitte Violet — Pale rose shaded with violet; 

flowers large and full; a pleasing sort. 
Michael Saunders — Rose, shaded with coppery red; medium size: 

very full, finely formed; fi'agrant; a very distinct and 

pleasing sort. 
Nancy Lee — Satiny rose, of a very delicate and lovely shade; 

beautiful buds, oi medium size and highly perfumed; a very 

beautiful rose. 
Pearl — Rosy flesh, medium size, full; has very ja'etty buds: in 

every respect an elegant sort. 
Pierre Guillot — Bright, dazzling crimson; flowers large, very 
double and sweet: a charming varietv. 



114 'J'HE HOME FLORIST. 

Triomphe dAvgers-Fri'^ht. fiery leil. changing to darkest vel- 
vety crimson, tinged with jiurple; large, full flowers; dou- 
ble and extremely fragrant. 

Viscountess Falmonth — Bright, shining rose: hack of petals 
bright carmine; flowers extra large and full; of splendid 
form; very distinct and beautiful. 

POLYANTHA ROSES. 

A delightfully unicjue class of Roses. The original Polyantha 
Rose is a hardy Japanese species with single flowers, and blooms 
only in the spring. Its seedlings however, have shown a remark- 
able tendency to vary from the character of the parent, and 
among them are tiie kinds described below, which produce dou- 
ble flowers and bloom continuously from early spring imtil win- 
ter. In habit they are most peculiarly distinct, being the dwarf- 
est of all roses, with graceful, slender branches and delicate fol- 
iage. They might be called Fairy Roses, with their miniature 
and beautiful-shaped flowers, which are borne in immense pani- 
cles or clusters, elevated considerably above the foliage. It is 
not unusual for one shoot to bear dozens of flowers; altogether 
a new departure among Roses and an invaluable one. They will 
no doubt i)rove to be comparatively hardy in nearly every section 
of tlie count r}-. 

Anne Marie de Montravel — A beautiful, pure white, fairy-like 
rose, very double, perfect flowers, about the size of a 25- 
cent piece; delightfully sweet-scented and borne in such 
large clusters that the plant frequently seems to be a mass 
of flowers. It l)looms profusely from early summer until 
late fall. 
Mademoiselle Cecile Brunner — One of the most beautiful and 
lovely in the class. The flowers are salmon pink, with deep 
salmon centre, borne in large clusters and'deliciouslv pei'- 
fumed; an exquisite miniature rose for floral work, l)OU- 
(luets, etc. ; a vigorous grower and a constant and profuse 
l)loomer; splendid bedder. 
Mignonette— One of the most lovely and beautiful miniature 
roses; the flowers are full and regular, perfectly double, 
borne in large clusters, and deliciously perfumed; color 
clear i)ink. changing to white, tinged with ]Kile ruse; it is a 
vigorous grower, and a constant and profuse bloomer. We 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



115 




Polyantha Rose, 



it6 the iiomk florist. 



have seen as many as 150 flowers on this variety at one 
time. It has also survived a temperature of 20 degrees be- 
low zero witliout any protection. 

Paquerette — We consider this variety the best of all the Poly- 
antha Roses. The flowers are pure white, about one inch 
in diameter, flowering in clusters of from five to fifty 
blooms; very full, prettily formed, recalling blossoms of 
the double flowering cherry, and full}' equals the double 
white Primrose in profuse blooming during the winter. It 
has a peculiarl}- delicious perfume that is extjuisite; alto- 
gether a I'ose of charming beauty and gi-eat merit. 

Perle d'Or — This is a new and striking rose, similar in character 
and habit of gi-owth to Anne Marie de Montravel. The 
flowers, however, are larger, and if possible produced in 
still greater number than those of that valuable variety, but 
the great difference lies in the color, which is a beautiful 
light canary yellow, deeper in the centre, with small, white 
edge; blooms in clusters, numbering often sixty to sixty- 
five flowei-s each ; medium size, of fine form and lexture; 
petals are slightly imbricated and overla]) each other, giv- 
ing the flower a very double appearance; growth bushy, 
rarely attaining over fifteen inches in height; regarded as 
one of the finest, most distinct and valuable of the class. 

CULTIVATION AND MANAGEMENT. 

The Garden. — Roses, to be most effective, should be planted 
in a bed by themselves, where it is possible to do so. A dozen 
Roses scattered about the garden lose their individuality, and are 
not nearly so attractive as when planted in masses of any shape 
the grounds may allow or fancy suggest. Any fair, well-drained 
garden soil will answer for them, although where a choice can be 
had, a loamy clay is preferal)le; but whatever its character may 
be, to attain anything like perfection in their culture it should be 
dug two spades deep and have plenty of rotted stable manure 
thoroughly incorjxn-ated with it. During summer the surface 
of the soil should be kci)t loose by cultivation. In planting the 
hardy varieties, including Hybrid Pcipetuals. which arc to re- 
main ix-rmanently in the beds, do not plant so close that they 
will become crowded aftei- attaining to some size; three to tour 
feet is about right for this division, although the tender sorts will 



THE HOME FLORIST. I17 



do some neai-er. Roses will not thrive in a situation much shaded 
and like many other plants they do better if not exposed to 
sweeping winds. 

Priming'. — Usually the most pleasing form for the Rose is a 
symmetrical, bushy one, and this can be produced by judi- 
cious pruning. The proper time to prune those that are entirely 
hardy is late in the fall, while the varieties that are liable 
to be frozen back in winter should have the operation deferred 
until early spring. All strong shoots of the last season's growth 
should be cut back to three or four eyes, making the cut with an 
upward slope from directly above an eye. weak growths should 
be entirely removed. This treatment will cause a vigorous 
growth of young wood, and tends to increase the size and beauty 
of the flowers. In pruning climbing Roses, only such shoots as 
may appear superfluous, and all old wood that can be spared, 
should be cut away. The varieties of the tender division, the 
growth of which is almost continual, require pinching back of 
the strongest new shoots during the season to keep the plants 
shapely, and all branches after flowering should be cut back suf- 
ficir'ntly to induce from three or four new flowering shoots to 
start into growth from the buds which remain. 

Insects Injurious to Roses. — The most troublesome in- 
sect enemies of the hardy Roses are the Rose Saw-fly, especially in 
its caterpillar state— then known as the Rose Sing — and the Rose 
Chafer or Bug. As the depredations of each of these sometimes 
assume a serious form, I will endeavor to describe them so that 
they may be known at their first appearance, and proper reme- 
dies be applied in time to check their ravages. During the last 
two weeks of May, and until the middle of June, the Rose Saw- 
flies make their appearance upon the plants, pair and lay their 
eggs in the incisions made with their saw^s in the leaves. They 
are of a shiny black color, about one-fifth of an inch long, and 
will be found mostly on the under side of the leaves, or flying 
around from bush to bush. The first young slugs hatch out in a 
few weeks after the flies appear, usually showing themselves 
about June 1st, and increasing in number during the month. 
These are of a pale green color and have an almost transparent, 
jelly-like appearance. They feed upon the leaves, which soon 
look as if they had been bvirned, and droj) if the slugs are not de- 
stroyed Dry slacked lime scattered over the leaves while wet 
with dew is the most convenient remedy for destroying them, 



1 I 8 THE HOME FLORIST, 



and will often prove effectual; but a more destructive one may 
be had in fretjuently syringing tlie i)lant with whale oil soaj) dis- 
solved in water in the proportion of one pound to eight gallons 
of water. ]\Iany of the female inseets in their beetle state — being 
more sluggish than the males — can be destroyed with this solution 
if thoroughly applied by sprinkling or with a syringe every day 
as they first appear. No pains should be spared to lessen the num- 
ber as much as possible by this means. The Rose Chafer is a 
small insect with a slender body, which tapers l)efore and behind, 
measuring near three-eighths of an inch in length, and entirely 
covered with ashen-yellow down. They usually appear towards 
the middle of June, sometimes in large numbers, and remain 
from four to six weeks, also feeding on some other ])laiits beside 
the Rose. The usually efhcacious remedies employed in destroy- 
ing other insects, scarcely effect these at all; and about the only 
way of destroying them is to pass over the plants daily, shake or 
brush them into tin vessels containing water, or they may be 
gathered on sheets and burned. Red Spider and Green-fly are the 
most common insects met with in cultivating Roses in the win- 
dow and conservatory, and directions are given for preventing 
and destroying these in the articles on "The Amateur's Conserv- 
atory,*' and "Plant Culture in and about the House." 

Mildew and Kiist,— Mildew is a fungoid growth which 
shows itself upon the leaves and small twigs of Roses and other 
plants, both indoors and out at times. It has a gray, mold-like 
appearance, and seems to be invited bj' anything that causes the 
growth of the i)lant to be suddenly cliecked. Roses making a 
vigorous growth in the window or conservatory, if exposed to a 
strong draft of cold air from the outside, will freijuently be trou- 
bled with mildew, or by allowing the soil to become dry enough 
to cause the leaves to droop generally affects them similarly. In 
Rose culture all sxich unfavorable causes must be strictly guarded 
against. The ordinary agent, and undoubtedly the best, for erad- 
icating and also })reventing mddew is floiu- of sulphur, which 
may be applied by dusting it ui)on the leaves after wetting 
down the foliage, every few dajs, imtil it is no more to be seen. 
Rust fre(]uently troubles Roses in the garden by a))pearing upon 
the leaves. The best way to deal Avith it is to cut off and burn 
the infected branches, although if bu<lly affected it nuiy necessi- 
tate the sacrifice of the greater part of the plant. 



THE HOME FLORIST. II9 

Protection During' AVinter. — Wherever it is possible, by 
means of protection, to keep Roses in the open ground during 
winter, I advocate the plan of &o doing. There will be little use 
of attempting to winter any but the most robust varieties, how- 
ever, unless the ground is thoroughly drained, and when the ros- 
ary is in such condition, little loss need occur in leaving out many 
of the tender varieties, if well protected. One of the best ways 
of protecting tender kinds, is to bend the plant to the ground 
and completely cover with fine soil from six to ten inches deep. 
If the Roses are in a bed, the plants should all be bent in one 
direction, and the entire bed covered to the same depth. Another 
good way is to remove the top and bottom from a barrel or box, 
and placing it over the plant, fill loosely with leaves or straw. An 
amateur cultivator in Pennsylvania informs me that she succeeds 
in wintering tender Roses by laying them flat on the ground and 
covering them with a board. Where the winters are very severe 
and it is not considered desirable to risk tender kinds out of doors, 
they may be carefully taken up, pruned slightly, and placed in a 
cold pit until spring. By admitting an abundance of air in sunny 
spring days and warm weather they may be planted into the beds 
again by May 1st in this latitude. They should however, be 
pruned again before planting out. 

In cut on next page, taken from the Rural New Yorker, is shown 
a new method of treating tender and half-hardy roses and other 
plants, lately described in that excellent j^aper, and which enables 
the owner to remove them easily to a place of safety in the lall^^nd 
replant them in the spring, with but very little disturbance of the 
roots. For roses, take an ordinary 12-inch pot and drill or bore 
a number of holes one inch in diameter through the sides, as 
shown at Fig. 1. The pots would be better if originally made 
with these holes, and the sides of the pots all about them thicken- 
ed, as shown in the cut; this thickening would add greatly to the 
strength of the pot. The bush is to be planted in the pot, using 
good rich soil for the pui-pose. The rose grounds should be made 
very rich with well-rotted manure, and a liberal use of charcoal- 
dust adds much to the health of plants and beauty of the flowers. 
At the proper season set the pot and plant in place where desired, 
as sh<,wn at 3; this puts the pot entirely beneath the surface and 
out of sight, which, in ornamental grounds, is very desirable. As 
the growth progresses, the roots emerge from the pot in all direc- 
tions, penetrating the soil, and the bush grows as vigorously a^ 



I-'O 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



y>^,„i: 




A New Method of Planting. 

though planted in the open soil. After severe freezing in the fall, 
the pot and plant are raised, those roots within the pot being, of 
course, entirely undisturbed, and can be stored in a cold cellar or 
other convenient place where, entirely jirotected from the sun's 
rays, and from too severe freezing, the pot and protruding roots 
should be covered with damp sand or earth. Fig. 2 shows the 
plant ready for replanting, Avithrtjots and top cut back, as should 
be done each spring, and then planted out as before as soon as 
danger of severe freezing is passed. The gi'ouuds should !.(> en- 
riched each year, and being very rich, the plant at once com- 
mences a rapid growth, which is essential to an abundant bloom. 
Each succeeding fall it is to be taken up and treated in the same 
way, and can be kept many years in good health and vigor. In 
place of the pot, any Mooden box, having numerous holes in its 
sides may be used, but. of course, it is not nearly as durable or 
desirable, for in the damp, warm soil, it decays rapidly, and is 
liable to become full of insects. 

Most varieties of Hybrid Perpetual Roses will survive the cold- 
est winters unprotected, if growing on drained ground. It is, 
however, a wise policy, to cover all the plants with straw late in 
autumn, as this is but little trouble, and they g(>nerally flower 
better, while they are sure to winter safely with such treat nu'ut. 
This may be done by driving a stake firmly into the ground to 
each |)lant, and tying it nicely and rather close to it; then some 
straightened straw is placed around the entire length of the 



THE HOME FLORIST. 121 



plant- it need not be very thick — completing the operation by 
binding twine or straw bands around the whole in several places 
throughout its length. An application of stable manure or leaves 
around the base of the plant will afford all needed protection to 
the roots. All roses, including the most tender kinds, will stand 
some freezing without injury, and it is as well to defer protecting 
them until quite late in the fall, say in November. In the spring, 
as soon as the frost is out of the ground and growing weather is 
at hand, all protection should be removed. 

Roses for Pot Culture aurt Winter Blooming'. — The 
tender monthly roses are nearly all suitable for pot culture and 
winter flowering, the Tea-scented section, with its unapproacha- 
ble bud varieties, being usually preferred. Plants designed for 
winter blooming should be grown in pots during the previous 
summer. These should be plunged to the rim in earth or coal 
ashes, in order to prevent their drying out. Roses under any cir- 
cumstances are quite susceptible of being injured by becoming 
too dry, and the condition should always be guarded against in 
pot culture. In the remarks on page 3l, entitled "Preparatory 
Treatment of Plants designed for Winter Flowering," directions 
are given which apply to summer treatment of rofes grown in 
pots for this purpose. In August the plants should be shifted into 
larger-sized pots, or planting them into a box will answer quite 
as well. If they are to be grown in the window, they should 
now be gradually inured to the changed light and heat by keep- 
ing them in confinement only a part of the day, in the interven- 
ing time giving them an airy exposure under the piazza or at the 
side of the house, lessening this by degrees as the season ad- 
vances. If to be forced in the conservatory, this means of accli- 
mation is unnecessary, provided plenty of air is allowed to circu- 
late through the structure after they have been taken in. Their 
winter position should be as nmch exposed to sun as possible, and 
the temperature kept^t between 55" and 60° at night, with an in- 
crease of 15° higher during the day. Syringe the j)lants fre- 
quently and never allow them to suffer from dryness at the roots. 

Before dismissing this subject, I will explain how, by means of 
a cool greenhouse or a cold pit, the Hybrid Perpetual and many 
other hardy roses, besides all tender ones, may be taken u^) and 
made to do a kind of double duty, safely, and with little trouljle, 
by flowering profusely in the house or conservatory in Marcli or 
later, and after being returned to the garden tinive there as 



122 THE HOME FLORIST. 



usual. For this purpose any of the plants growing and flowering 
during summer are suitable without extra treatment. Dig them 
carefully late in October in this latitude, and prune away the old 
straggling wood and superfluous shoots, cutting the remaining 
shoots back to several eyes; then pot into good fresh soil, one- 
third part of whicii should consist of well-rotted manure, press- 
ing it down very firmly and give them a thorough watering. After 
this place the potted roses in a cool greenhouse or cold i)it, where 
they are to remain until the middle of January and later for a 
succession. In bringing them in from the cold pit to the window 
or conservatory for flowering, do not place in too high a tempera- 
ture at once. A situation indicating 40' or 45" will answer for 
them at flrst, and from this they might gradually be changed to 
a temperature of from 50 to 60" at night, and receive treatment 
as directed for winter blooming plants. Contrary to what might 
be supposed, thus forcing roses late in the winter does not materi- 
ally injure the usefulness of tlie plants, for by planting them out 
again in May, the monthly varieties will flower considerable, and 
all will regain their usual vigor in time. 



DESCRIPTION OF 

ORNAMENTAL AND I'LOWERING PLANTS 

WITH CULTURAL DIRECTIONS. 

Plants that are grown for ornament, as well as others, are clas- 
sified according to tlieir habits, means of reproduction, time t>f 
flovverjr.g and maturity, etc., into a number of divisions, as 
named and described herewith. 

ANNUALS. 

All those plants that flower the first year from seed, and, after 
yielding a new crop of seed, die, root and all, are called Annuals. 
These are sub-divided into several kinds, such as Hardy, Half- 
Hardy and Tender Annuals. 

ILirdy AiniKols are those that readily germinate and make 
their growth lo full matnrity in tlie open air, witlK)Ut the aid of 
artificial heat, such as Sweet Pea, Nemophila, Candytuft, etc. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 1 23 

Half Hardy and Tender Annuals differ from the Hardy An- 
nuals in being more tender, on which account most of them 
should receive the assistance of artificial heat and protection 
during germination and in the early stages of their growth, al- 
though nearly all flower well later in the season if the seeds are 
sown in the open ground after all danger of frost to the young 
seedling is over. The Poi'tulaca, Phlox Drummondi, Merigold, 
etc., belong to this division. 

BIENNIALS 

flower the second and sometimes the third year after sowing, 
then ripen their seod and die, root and all. 

PERENNIALS 

live and blossom from year to year, and, although some seed free- 
ly, many do not, and are best increased by layers, cuttings, sep- 
aration of the roots, etc. This division is sub-divided into Hardy 
Herbaceous Perennials, and, in our latitude, Tender or Green- 
house Perennials, each of which include some Bulbous and 
Tuberous plants. 

Hardy Herbaceous Perennials are plants like the Pseonies, Hardy 
Phlox, Hyacinths, Lilies, Lychnis, etc., whose roots continue to 
live year after year, although the growth above ground dies an- 
nually, either soon after flowering or in the fall. Most of these 
kinds are propagated by division of the roots, which may be 
taken up for this purpose every few years. Many can also be in- 
creased from seed, others by layering. 

Tender or Greenhouse Perennials for the most part consist of 
plants whose entire growth, both plant and root, is continual, and 
which are, with few exceptions, increased by slips or cuttings 
taken from growing plants. These plants are usually reared in 
pots, and belong to a division that, to some extent, is old and 
well known. The common monthly Eose, Rose, Fish and Horse- 
shoe Geraniums, the Lady's Ear- Drop, Snake and other Cactus, 
Oleanders, Rosemary, etc., which all of us have been familiar 
with from infancy, almost, belong to this division, while many 
varieties and kinds, quite as easy of cultivation, and greatly im- 
proved, which have come into general use only within late years 
are still compai-atively unknown, and receive little attention, ex- 
cept from professional florists, and the more enthusiastic ama- 
teurs. To this class of plants we are indebted for many of our 



124 THE HOME FLORIST, 



choicest floral gems, either for cultivation in the house, conserva- 
tory or garden. Freiiuently members of the same botanical genus 
vary so much as to be properly arranged in several of the above 
divisions. Tliis is the case with the Phlox, some species of wliich 
are Hardy Annuals, and other Hardy Herbaceous Perennials; 
also with the flowering Pea andotliers. 

Comparative Value. — In tliis connection it may be well to 
consider the comparative value and cost of various kinds of 
flowers, presuming that the reader who purchases stock, desires 
to make the best investment with any money to be expended. 
Although the prices of individual pot and other plants range 
higher than those of single packets of flower seeds, it should be 
remembered that the former are always of consideraV>le, often of 
a flowering, size when purchased, while plants still require to be 
reared from the latter; then, again, when once a plant is pur- 
chased it can be increased by cuttings, divisions, etc., to any de- 
sired extent, and the quality of the variety is never materially 
impaired, because each plant propagated is part of the parent, 
with a root of its own. With seeds it is different; every experi- 
enced amateur knows that it is next to impossible to keep up a 
superior strain or variety with seed unless this is saved from 
plants grown isolated, after the manner practiced by regular 
seed growers. The trouble is they are apt to mix and deteriorate 
whicli may necessitate the purchase of the same kind each spring 
if it is considered desirable to keep up the stock very pure. 
Should this be necessary however, with varieties that cannot be 
saved pure, the outlay to procure superior new seed need not be 
large each year, and it should be rememliered that many of the 
better annuals and other seed-grown ])lants can be used with un- 
equaled effect in producing display in the house or about the 
grounds. 

In the descriptions which follow, the division to whicli ( acli 
sort belongs is named in the parenthesis following the name of 
the kind. For an explanation of the figures and degrees wliicli 
follow the name of Greenhouse Perennials, for instance ABUTI- 
LON, (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45. 85'), see "Temperature," 
etc., page 44. 

ABELIA {Oreenhmise Perennial, 32, 45, 85°). 

A genus of greenliouse shrubs from Japan; they are of slender 
branching liabit, very attractive and pleasing; of easy culture. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



125 




Abutilon. 

A. Rupestris — Is of dwarf habit and flowers profusely in autumn 
or winter; the flowers are produced in compact clusters, 
white, and of exquisite fragrance; propagated from cut- 
tings. 



ABUTILON {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). 

A genvis of plants noted variously for their peculiar bell- 
shaped flowers of different colors, for the variegated foliage of 
some varieties, and for the fine drooping habit of others; all are 
suitable for culture in pots in the house and conservatory, some 
for bedding and others for planting in vases and hanging baskets, 
while there is not a delicate or feeble growing variety among 
them; when bedded out in the summer they can be taken up 
about September 1st and potted for winter decoration as readily 
as the average of plants; all should receive an occasional pniu- 
ing; propagated from cuttings or seed. 



126 THE HOME FLORIST. 

^4, Mesopotamicum, has calyx of the flower scarlet; petals yel- 
low; of straggling, slender growth; excellent for training 
to a stake or trellis. 

A. Mesopotamicum pictum — A new variety, and one of the finest 
drooping plants for planting at tlie edge of baskets and 
vases, or for pot culture; the loaves are narrow, of beautiful 
shape and rather small, and are richly variegated with 
golden yellow on green, which rend^'rs the plant exceed- 
ingly valuable for contrasting with other drooping plants. 

A. Thoinpsonii — The leaves are distinctly variegated and marbled 
with bright yellow on dark green ground. Tliis variety is 
one of the best beddmg and also i^ot plants for inside cul- 
tivation; it grows vigorously when planted out and the dis- 
tinctness of its leaf markings. 

A. saataua —Purplish crimson flowers ; one of the best old sorts. 

A. Royal Scarlet— Yery dwarf and the darkest colored sort 
grown. 

A. YelloiLi Prince — One of the newest dwarf; bright y 'How. 

A. Prince of Heilbron — Variegated foliage, like Thompsunii, but 
is much better in its markiugs. 

A. Arthur Belsham — Clear crimson without markings; the best of 
its color. 

A. Ed. Layeillon — Dwarf grower; a splendid bedder, "ith bright 
golden yellow flowers. 

-.4. Standard — Dwarf habit; flowers light purplish red; large size, 
being more expanded than in other sorts. 

^4. Robert George — This is an elegant sort, both as to habit and 
blooming qualities, being upriglit; moderately dwarf, pro- 
ducing flowers of orange, veined with crimson in great pro- 
fusion. 

^i. Snoiv Storm — A dwarf -growing variety, producing pure wliite 
flowers; a splendid w inter blooming variety. 

A. lliompnonii pdena — This new variety has jjcrfectly double 
flowers that resemble in form a double hollyhock; color rich 
deep orange, shaded and streaki'd ^\ith crimson; it is a 
sport from A. Thompsonii, and still retains the beautifully 
mottled yellow and green foliage of that variety. 

ACALYPHA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, GO, 9.")='). 

Handsome greenhouse shrubs with beautiful foliage, being used 
more each year for bedding purposes; propagated from i-uttings. 






THE HOME FLORIST. 12/ 

A. tricolor — Has variegated foliage of green, copper-colored and 

red, irregularly mottled and blotched. 
A. marginati — Very pretty bronze-colored leaf with distinct edge 

of pink or red ; very pretty. 

ACHANIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85'). 

A shrub that blooms both summer and winter ; not subject to 
insects of any kind ; one of the most satisfactory house plants 
grown ; are iiropagated from cuttings. 

^4. lyiolvaviscus—ls remarkable for the beauty of its scarlet 
flowei's and beautiful green leaves. 

ACHILLEA (Hardy Perennial). 

A genus of hardy plants, partly natives, several of which pro- 
duce attractive flowers during the summer months; they will 
thrive in any soil; they are increased by division of the roots. 
A. ageratum — Has golden yellow flowers. 
A. niillefolmvi — Is a pretty rose-colored variety. 
A. jitarmica fl. pi. — Produces double pure white flowers; is de- 
sirable m every collection. It continues to bloom most of 
the season, throwing up a succession of its pretty little 
flowers, in corymbs, on stems about one foot high. The 
foliage is narrow and of a dark shining green color; per- 
fectly hardy. 

ACHIMENES {Tender Tuber). 

Tropical plants for summer blooming; the scaly tubers must be 
preserved entirely dry during winter. In early spring, pot in 
peat, sand and a little light soil. They delight in heat, moisture 
and shade while growing, but in a more cool temperature when 
in bloom. Excellent for baskets. 

ACHYRANTHES {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). 

The Achyranthes are plants with beautiful foliage, most of 
which are excellent for planting in masses and in the ribbon 
style, their distinct colors forming a striking contrast with Cen- 
taureas and other white-leaved plants. All are well-suited for 
planting in the centre of hanging baskets and vases, and also for 
liouse and winter culture, as they develop their colors even 
in partial shade and prove to be somewhat hardier than Coleus for 



128 THE HOME FLORIST. 



this purpose. They reach a height of from one to one and a half 
feet. Any of the varieties may be readily propagated from cut- 
tings in a warm place. For summer culture the cuttings should 
be struck in February or March, while to have beautiful medium - 
sized plants for window culture in the winter or to plant into 
ferneries— for which purpose they are admii-ably adapted — propa- 
gate in June or July. 

A. aureus vet iculatus —Has \ea\es of a light green color, netted 
with golden yellow, occasionally splaslied with crimson; 
stalk and leaf -stems light crimson; a beautiful and desira- 
ble plant. 
A. Oilsonii — With leaves striped with various shades of carmine; 
stems of a deep shade of pink; in some resjjects an improve- 
ment on old Verschaifeltii. being of a more dense and com- 
pact growth; excellent in every way. 
-4. Lindenii— An upright dwarf grower, about onr foot higli, 
completely branched from the root; leaves narrow lanceo- 
late, of a deep, blood-red color, reflecting varying tints of 
red and purjile; unsurpassed for bedding. 
A. Lindenii aureus variegata — A variety in every respect similar 
to Aureus reticulatus, except that it resembles Lindenii in 
growth and form of leaf. 

ACROCLINIUM {Half-hardy Annual). 

This is one of the several useful everlasting flowers that are 
readil}' grown from seed. Tiie flowers are of medium size, good 
form, and are not excelled by any other everlasting in points of 
delicacy and beautiful tints. It is better to start the young plants 
in heat and transplant to eight inches apart, then to sow directly 
wlicre they are to bloom, although there is no great danger of 
failure by doing so about June 1st. Tlie flowers should be cut for 
use ill winter before they are fully expanded. 
A. album — Pure white. 
-4. roseum — Bright rose. 

AGAPANTHUS. {Tender Bulb.) 

An old genus of Liliaceous jdants, belcmging to the greenhouse, 
and easily grown in light fibrous loam and old manure. During 
the growing season water must not be neglected. Store away in 
tlie cellar during winter. Tiiis jiluJit will fre(]uently send U)) a 
flower stalk tliree feet high, crowned with twenty or tlnrty flowers, 



1 



THE HOME FLORIST. 1 29 

which will open in uuccession. It is a noble ornament on a lawn. 
^4. iimhellatus — Numerous large umbels of bright blue flowers, 
on tall stems. 

AGAVE— Century Plant {Greenliouf^e Perennial, 32, 4.'5, 90"). 

This remarkable family of plants belongs to the class knowij as 
fleshy plants, and which have thick, massive leaves that present 
but a small amount of surface in proportion to their bulk. In the 
present instance the plants have no proper stem previous to the 
time of sending up their flowering shoot, which, as is well known, 
takes place at an advanced age, although the popular impression 
that they do not flower until the age of one hundred years is er- 
roneous. In Central and South America, their native habitats, 
they flower previous to their twentieth year, but in our green- 
houses not usually until they have reached three or four times this 
age. After flowering the plant dies to the ground, but the root 
sends up a mass of new plants. The leaves are long, thick, and 
terminate in a point; they diverge upwards and outwards from 
the centre and together form one of the Uiost efliective pot plants 
for decorating the grounds in summer and the conservatory or 
dwelling in winter that can be cultivated. The Agaves are easy 
to grow, being not at all particular as regards light or heat, in this 
respect resembling the Cactus, and quite as desirable for house 
culture. Their growth can be retarded or encouraged by more or 
less frequently shifting them into larger pots, which, at the most, 
should not be done of tener than once a year. 

Their are two varieties in common cultivation — ^4. Americana, 
with bluish-green leaves, and A. Americana variegata, similar in 
appearance to the preceding, except that the foliage is striped 
throughout its length. 

AGERATUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 75"). 

The Ageratums are rapid growing, profuse blooming, easily 
propagated plants, that will thrive with the most ordinary treat- 
ment; either if bedded out or in pots, and are deserving of a place 
in every collection. The flowers are produced in compact tuft-like 
heads, and although no striking colors exist in them, they appear 
in large numbers continually throughout the summer; are of ex- 
cellent form and have long convenient stems, which render them 
useful for working into bouquets. Being almost continually in 
flower, most of the varieties are valuable for planting in ribbon 



130 THE HOME FLORIST. 

lines or for massing, and the}' are very easily reared from cuttings 
in large numbers, a fact that sliould not be overlooked. The 
variety with variegated foliage creates a very pretty effect wlien 
similarly emplojed. Ageratums can be forced to flower in the 
winter quite well, eitlier in the dwelling or conservatory, l)ut are 
not prominently valuable for this purpose, as the red-spider is 
rather liable to trouble the plants. Young summer ])ropagated 
plants can easily be kept in a growing condition over winter from 
wliich to take cuttings for spring stock. 

A. Imperial dwarf — Is of compact low growth, attaining the 
height of eiglit inches, and spreading to tlie size of one foot 
across; it is almost entirely covered with lavender-blue 
flowers du"ing the greater part of the summer. 
A. Mexicannm is one of the best for cut flowers; the flowers are 
of a delicate lavender color, and very freely produced; the 
plants grow to a height of from eighteen to twenty-four 
inches. 
A. Mexicanum variegatum — A beautiful variety of the last-named 
one, wliich it resembles in habit, but the leaves are varie- 
gated witli jellow, green and sometimes a faint shade of 
crimson; suitable for bedding or pot culture. 
A. Tom TJuDiib— The smallest variety of all, rarely attaining more 
than six inches in height; flowers of a light porcelain blue 
color. 
A. Blaiidie — Pure white; a most valuable sort. 
A. John Douglas — Dwarf and bushy flowers, azure blue, making 
it one of the most valuable additions to bedding plants of 
late introduction. 

AGROSTEMMA {Hardy Annual). 

A species of plants that flower freely in the summer. Although 
perhaps not as valuable as some others, they may be grown 
easily from seed, and having long stems and rather attractive 
colors, are so useful and pretty in bouquets and other floral ar- 
rangements that they should not be passed by. 

Tlie varieties commonly grown are New Scarlet, of bright color, 
Cceli Rosa, of a deep rose color, but there are still other good ones. 

AKEBIA QUINATA. {Hardy Climber). 

This plant is suitable for large arboi-s or trellises. It will twine 
around old trees, completely covering the branches from which it 



THE HOME FLORIST. I3I 

will hang in graceful festoons. The color of the flower is dark 
brown; very sweet scented; it is easily propagated from cuttings 
or by layering. 

ALLAMANDA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 90°). 

A splendid genus of greenhouse plants, invaluable for exhibi- 
tion purposes. They should be grown in equal parts of fibrous 
loam, peat and sharp sand, vs^ith a little rotted manui-e. Give 
Strong heat and moisture; propagated from cuttings. 
A. nerifolia—A compact-growing greenhouse shrub, having 
large, trumpet-shaped, bright yellow flowers, which are 
borne in great profusion nearly the entire season. 
A. Hendersonii — A valuable greenhouse plant, having large, deep 
yellovv flowers four inches in diameter. It can be trained 
to climb, or can be grown in bush form, as desired. It 
blooms nearly the entire season ; a splendid plant. 
A. Schottii — Produces immense numbers of large, funnel-shaped 
flowers; golden yellow. 

ALOYSIA CITRIODORA— Lemon Verbena {Greenhouse Peren- 
nial, 33, 45, 80 ). 

A neat growing shi'ub, with elegant light green lanceolate 
leaves that are deliciously fragrant; in this respect hardly equalled 
by any other plant in cultivation. It is difficult to describe a fra- 
grance with words. That of this plant somewhat resembles 
the oder of lemons, yet besides possesses a sweetness and agree- 
ableness that is indescribable. Sometimes persons of cultivated 
tastes may be met to whom the fragrance of such flowers as the 
Heliotrope, Mignonette, Tuberose, Jasminum, etc., which are 
prized by nearly every one, are found to be distasteful, but I have 
yet to find the person who does not like the Lemon Verbena fra- 
grance. Althougli the Aloysia is a tender perennial; its sheds its 
leaves in the fail, and enters into a natural state of rest during 
the winter, in which condition it may be kept over until spring in 
some moderately dry place, like under the staging of a conserva- 
tory or on a shelf in the cellar away from frost. The soil about 
the root should not be allowed to become dust dry, but occasion- 
ally may be treated to a little water. In March or April the plants 
should be brought to light and should be watered frequently to 
induce a new growth for the season. They may also be pruned at 



132 THE HOME FLORIST. 



this time. The Aloysia is suitable either as a pot plant or for bed- 
dinp^ out, and will ])r(»\e to be one of the easiest of plants to 
manage; propagated from cuttings. 

ALTERNANTHERA {Oreenh&use Perennial, 35, 60, 90°). 

A genus of ornamental plants, with richly -colored leaves in the 
summer and which are well adapted for pot culture, baskets, 
vases, and for bedding out in ribbon lines or edging to flower beds. 
They are of a similar size to, and contrast beautifully with, varie- 
gated Alyssum and variegated Thyme for bedding jiurposes. Tlie 
plants grow rapi<lly, and assume compact, globular forms of from 
five to twelve inches high, wliich are extremely beautiful. In 
August young plants can reatlily be obtained from cuttings for 
winter decoration and from wliich topr()i)agate spring stock. Tlie 
plants are easily injured by frost and should be planted out late 
enough in the spring to avoid danger frona this cause. 
A. ainabilis — The foliage of this variety is finely variegated with 

orange, rose and green ; vigorous. 
A. latifolia — Broad, smooth leaves, with many bright colors and 

tints on green ground; resembling autumn leaves. 
A. spathalata — Leaves carmine and green, the carmine predomi- 
nating; five inches. 
A. spectabilf. — Leaves orange, bronze and scarlet. 
A. versicolor — A beautiful and distinct variety of rose and deep 

crimson color; nine inches. 
A. parychioides — Leaves prettily marked with yellow and red. 
A. jinrychioidcs major — Foliage with a bright orange-colored tint. 
A. aurea — Beautiful bright jcllow leavi's. 

A. aurea nana — This new variety seems to supersede everything 
else for a yellow line in massing or ribbon bedding; the 
leaves are briglit golden yellow; habit upright and com- 
pact; height four inches. 

ALTHAEA— Rose of Sharon {Hardy Shrub). 

This is really one of the most showy and beautiful flowering 
shrubs; the flowers are of large size, in some very double, and of 
various brilliant and striking colors, such as white, ])urple, 
8trii)ed, rose and violet. It blooms freely during August and 
September, when scarcely any other tree or shrub is in bloom. 
Tlien^ is also a beautiful variety with variegated foliage of green 
and white; propagated from cuttings. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 133 



ALYSSUM, SWEET {Hardy Annual], 
A pi'etty little plaut, easy to rear from seed and to cultivate in 
summer aud winter for bouquets; its white, fragrant flowers, 
which are produced abundantly, rendering it valuable for this 
purpose. For summer culture sow in the open ground where it is 
to bloom, or transplant from the seed bed, in either case leaving 
four inches of space between the plants. It is also a useful plant 
for hanging basket and vase culture. To have an almndancc of 
flowers in the winter, sow about July 1st and cultivate in pots 
during the summer, not allowing tiiem to bloom for the flrst four 
or five months. This plant, although usually treated as an annual, 
is really a perennial, as is shown when the flowers are ijickcd to 
prevent seeding, and it is kept in a growing temperature. 

Alyssum, Varieqated Sweet {Oreenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 
80^ J. — This is a pretty, variegated variety of the common and is 
grown from cuttings. It is also quite similar in appearance to the 
parent, but wh?te predominates over green in the color of the 
leaves, making it exceedingly ornamental, even aside of its many 
white sweet-scented flowers; although one of the finest droopers 
for planting at the edge of hanging baskets and vases, and also as a 
pot plant, it is one of the best low bedding plants for ribbon lines 
or edgings, as it assumes a dense, compact form when bedded. 

AMARANTHUS {Half-Hardy Annual). 
Some varieties of the Amaranthus family are very highly es- 
teemed as garden and pot plants for their beautiful showy foliage 
and for the fantastic forms and arrangement of the flowers. Then 
there are others usually advertised in seedsmen's catalogues which 
are scarcely deserving of culture, unless planted in the back 
ground, or grouped with plants to be seen from a distance, be- 
cause of the coarseness of the foliage. Such kind are, however, 
so easily grown from seed, which may be put in directly where 
they are wanted, that after all, they may be entitled to our con- 
sideration. As a rule, both the flowers and foliage of the various 
Amaranthus are more brilliant in a poor than in a rich soil, and in 
a dry than in wet seasons. 

A. bicolor ruber —A fine bedding plant, the seed of which should 
be sown in heat in March or April; the lower half of the 
leaf a red scarlet, the upper half maroon, sometimes 
tipped with yellow. The plants, especially when grown on 
rich soil, sometimes fail to show their rich colors. 



134 THE HOME FLORIST. 



A. caudat us (Love Lies Bleeding) — Red, graceful; 3 feet. 

A. crwe/if MS (Prince's Feather) — crimson; 3 feet. 

A. melaiichxAicus ruber — A very showy plnnt of fine growth; 

foliage blood red; well adapted f(n- riltljon belts or groups; 

one and one-half feet higli. 
A. salicifolius — The Fountain Plant, so called from the graceful 

manner in which the foliage is arranged; the leaves are 

elongated and willow-shaped, and of a bronzy carmine hue; 

sow the seed in heat. 
A. tricolor (Joseph's Coat) — Leaves red, yellow and green; very 

handsome in a favorable season. 

AMARYLLIS {Tender Bulb). 

The Amaryllis are an interesting class of bulbs, desirable for 
growing in pots, prodticing showy ilowers that are very attrac- 
tive and handsome. 

The bulb may be planted out the latter part of May in rich sandy 
soil, to a depth at which the neck of the bulb shall be even with 
the soil; it will flower in June or July. After the tops have been 
cut down by frost in September or October, tlie bulbs sliould be 
lifted and put away in dry sawdust, safe from frost. The Amaryl- 
lis is well a(lai)ted to pot culture in the conservatory or on the 
window shelf; give an abundance of water up to the time of 
fiowering,after whicli it should begradualljand finally altogether 
withheld. After several montiis of rest it may be repotted for 
another season of flowering; increased by division of the bulbs. 
A. Jo/insouii — Dark red with white stripe; splendid large bulbs. 
A. grandiflora — Large, fine; scarlet. 

A. Mrs. Jodyn — A new seedlin,g, with beautiful pink flowers. 
A. Treatea or Easter Lily— Has stems about a foot high, flowers 
very large, pure white and sweet scented; bulbs ilo not 
grow very large. 
A. rosea — Beautifid rose-colored flowers. 

A. formosissima — Tlie flowers are large, of a drooping Ul^-like 
shape, and of the most brilliant dark crunson color; tiiey 
are produced on a stalk a foot liigli; in tlie sunshine tliey 
have the appearance of being sprinkled with gold. 

AMOBIUM ALATUxM {Hardy Annual). 

An everlasting flower of fine appearance, whii-h ranks 
high for winter bouc^uets, on account of its being of a pure white 



THE HOME FLORIST. 1 35 

color, if gathered and cured by hanging iu the shade before being 
fully expanded; also very useful for cutting fresh. Grows finely 
in any garden soil. 

AMOMUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, 90°). 

This genus of aromatic herbs furnishes the Cardamon seeds of 
commerce; the plants grow readily in the greenhouse; propagated 
by division of the roots. 

A. Meleguata — Has long, bright green leaves, which emit a very 
pleasant fragrance; a desirable plant. 

AMORPHOPHALLUS {Tender Bulb). 

A genus of plants, with large bulbs; not hardy here, but excel- 
lent for summer bedding. The following species is not unlike an 
umbrella in form, with spotted stem; propagated by offset. 
A. Rivieri — The entire plant is marbled with white. 

AMPELOPSIS {Hardy Climber). 

Climbers of rapid gi-owth in any kind of soil, and will attach 

themselves firmlj- to wood or stone buildings or to the trunks of 

old trees and soon cover these objects with a fine mantle of rich 

foliage; propagated by layering or cuttings. 

A. Veitchii—A slender growing variety of the Virginia Creeper; 
the youDg growth during summer is a dark purplish green, 
changing in fall to the briglitest tints of scarlet, crimson 
and orange. It clings to stonework, trees, etc., and is a 
splendid plant for covering unsightly objects; it attains a 
height of fifty feet. Every year adds to the popularity of 
this plant; hardy, but should be covered the first winter. 

A. tricolor— The leaves of this variety are elegantly variegated 
with white, pink and green, and the bluish purple berries 
with which it is covered in fall, adds greatly to its beauty; 
a splendid basket plant or for covering rockwork. 

A. quiiiqnefolia— This is the well-known Virginia Creeper found 
wild in many parts of the country. It is a fast grower, of 
strong habit; leaves splendidly colored in the fall. 

A. bipinnata—A finely-marked, cut-leaved variety of the Vir- 
ginia Creeper; equally hardy and entirely distinct, making 
a novel and valuable plant for covering walls or trees; color 
of autumn foliage, crimson, scarlet, yellow, etc. 



136 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



ANEMONE {Hardy Tuber). 

Although generally known as a 

hardy tuberous plant, the Anemone 

^ <s^'"^"^ i3^ir""^'i^ Hortensis is not sufficiently so to 

^ w>^ ^ > v -W^ '^Sl' ^ft render it safe to plant tlie tubers out 

"^ ~ * aii*8BSii<.d!^fejaW iu tiig open ground in the fall along 

with Ilyacintlis and the other hardy 
bulbs. By keeiting them out of the 
gi'ound until early spring, and then 
at the earliest opportunity i)lanting 
them in a bed jirepared the fall pre- 
vious, and which has been kept cov- 
ered, they will succeed very well, 
and will flower from April until 
July. The flowers are produced on 
erect stems, six to nine inclies high, 
in both the double and single varie- 
ties; they are of tlie most brilliant 
colors with beautiful marks and stripes. The tubers, wliich 
have a curious appearance, resembling ginger roots, should be 
planted about six inches apart and three inches deep. xYfter 







Anemone. 







THE HOME FLORIST. 1 37 



they have produced then- flowers for the season, and the leaves 
turn yellow, the roots may be taken up, dried in the shade and 
put away for planting again. 

Anemone Japonica {Hardy Perennial). — This is a desirable 
hardy plant, introduced from Japan. There are several varieties: 
A. rubra— ^ith. red, and A. alba with white flowers being the 
most commonly cultivated, The flowers of these are nearly two 
inches in diameter, and are produced in great profusion for a long 
time during the latter part of the summer and in the autumn; 
the plants attain a height of two feet. There are different varie- 
ties of wild or wood Anemones found growing in most parts of 
the United States and Europe, which are attractive among spring 
and summer wild flowers ; increased from root cuttings. 

ANIMATED OATS {Hardy Annual). 
Among curious things in the vegetable kingdom, the seeds of 
this plant are prominent and decidedly interesting. What is 
striking about them is that they have a strong resemblance to in- 
sects with long cricket-like legs that are bearded and covered 
with spurs, all pointing in one direction. They will throw them- 
selves ahead with a darting, springing motion sufficiently life-like 
in appearance to be deceptive if laid upon a paper which is being 
agitated; or if the seeds are moistened, so sensitive are their 
strong beards to alterations of dryness and moisture that they 
will twist and keep in motion, resembling an insect crawling on 
tlie ground. Sow in the open ground early in the spring. 

ANTHERICUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85^). 

An elegant house plant of easy cultivation. It has a hardy 
constitution, not as against cold, but as against gases, sudden 
changes and dryness of the atmosphere in the drawing-room, 
which makes it a valuable plant for the conservatory or for filling 
in baskets, jardinieres or rustic designs; propagated by seed or 
division of the roots. 

A. vitatum variegatum — Has beautiful dark green leaves, marked 
with broad stripes of pure white; it throws up long spikes 
of small, star-shaped flowers. 

ANTIRRHINUM— Snap Dragon {Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). 

The Antirrhinum is a hardy perennial that usually survive our 

winters if protected, although it is not to be entirely relied upon 

in this respect, as sometimes it will die out. It is, however, so 



138 



THE HOME FLORIST. 








AidiiTliiimm. 
easily grown from seed every year, sown either in the latter part of 
summer or early in the spring under glass or in the open ground, 
that there is no necessity of keeping up old plants from year to 
year. Flowers freely the first season from the seed, and hetlcr 
the second, if the flowers are removed as fast as they appear the 
first season. The flowers are bright and attractive, appearing for 
a long time and even up to cold weather: also easily projiagated 
from cuttings, and stock plants can be kept over in a cold pit vin- 
til February or ^larch, and tlien started into growth to form 
shoots for i)ropagati(>n. Among the Antirrliiuums are the tall 
(two feet high), dwarf (one foot high) and Tom Thumb (six inches 
higli) sections, the following being some of the most distinct 
varieties: 

A. album— Pure white, both tall and dwarf. 
A. brill iant— Crimson and white, botli tall and dwarf. 

delila — Carmine, white throat. 

fii'^.fl!J—Oriin<^e scarlet, wiiite throat, both tall and dwarf. 

pujjillon -scar\et, wliite and yi'llow, both tall and dwarf. 

jvirpureum — Deep bright pnri)le; dwarf. 
A. striatum— BeautiiuWy striped; tall, dwarf and Tom Thumb. 



THE HOME FLORIST. I39 

AQUILEGIA — Columbine {Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). 

A genus of plants that flower the fore part of the season, some 
varieties of which are well known, the old garden Honeysuckle 
being one of these. They may be propagated by dividing the 
roots and from seed. 

A. coeriilea—A most beautiful variety from the Rocky Moun- 
tains, which is entitled to be universally cultivated. In 
England I see it is declared to be "not only the Queen of 
Columbines, but even the most beautiful of all hardy herb- 
aceous plants." The color is a delicate blue, with distinct 
white centre, and the remarkably long spurs give the 
flowers a most singular and beautiful appeai'ance . 

ARDISIA (Greenhouse Perennial. 33, 50, 80°). 

Greenhouse evergreen shrubs, with panicles of small white 
flowers. They enjoy light, fibrous loam, peat and sand, with good 
drainage; propagated from seeds. 

A. crenata — Clusters of brilliant scarlet berries during winter. 
This is a chai-ming house plant and should be more gener- 
ally cultivated; the berries remain for a long time, giving 
the plant an elegant appeai'ance; the plants usually fruit 
when one year old. 

ARISTOLOCHIA SIPHO— Dutchman's Pipe {Hardy Climber). 

This vine is suitable for covering walls or trellises. Under fav- 
orable circumstances it will grow twenty feet in a season; 
the foliage is large, of a deep rich green ; the flowers are of a 
brownish color and resemble in shape a pipe ; propagated by seed. 

ARMERIA {Hardy Perennial). 

This is the well-known "Sea Pink;" it is perfectly hardy; does 
well in all situations; flowers bright pink; very useful for bou- 
quets; blooms through the spring, summer and faU; propagated 
by division. 

ASCLEPIAS {Hardy and Tender Perennial, 33, 45, 75'.) 

A genus of very attractive flowering plants. The following 
specie is used for bedding out during summer, and for pot cul- 
ture in winter. Good loam and sand is sutScient; propagated by 
cuttings. 
A. Curassavica — A species with scarlet flowers. 



I40 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



ASPIDISTRA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, 80"). 

Liliaceous plants from China and Japan, with oblong lanceo- 
ate leaves, easily grown in an ordinary greenhouse, in good turfy 
loam: propagated by dividing the suckers. They are useful 
house plants; for the production of well-marked plants of the 
variegated species the pots in which they are grown should be 
small. 
A. lurida varieyato— Leaves with broad white stripes. 




Aster. 



ASTER {Hardy Annnat). 

The Aster is one of the grandest of seed -grown plants. There 
are tall growing varieties two to three feet in height, and from 
these different sections are graded in heiglit all tlie way down to 
the very dwarf ones, not more than eiglit inches high, and which 
spread out so as to present the appearance of boucjuets of flowers 
set in the ground. The flowers are of the most attractive, as 
well as delicate colors, including the purest white, and also pre- 



THE HOME FLORIST. I4I 

sent quite a variety of forms, many of which are very large and 
double to the centre. The seed may be started early in the hot- 
bed, cold-frame or seed-bed, as no plants transplant more readily, 
or it may be sown in the open ground directly where they are to 
flower. Set the large varieties about ten inches apart, and the 
dwarf er ones from that down to six. The tall varieties should be 
supported by stakes in the summer to prevent the rain from bend- 
ing or breaking them down. 
A. bouquet, newest dwarf —A very fine acquisition; each plant 

looks like a bouquet of flowers; eight inches. 
A. bouquet, dwarf pyramidal — Ten inches high; an early and 

abundant oloomer. 
A. chrysanthemum-flowered, dwarf, double — A splendid variety 
of dwarf compact habit, nine inches in height, producing 
flowers three to four inches across. 
A. cocardeau, or neiv crown— A. fine flower; very double, the 
central petals being pure white, sometimes small and 
quilled; sports occasionally; eighteen inches. 
A. German, pyradmidal-flowered — Late, branching; good habit; 

needs no tying. 
A. German, quilled — Desirable on account of the quilled appear- 
ance of the flowers; about three feet high. 
A. hedge hog, or iieedZe— Petals long, quilled and sharply point- 
ed; very curious and fine; two feet. 
A. la sup2rb2 — Large flowering class, often more than four 

inches in diameter, twenty incbes in height. 
A. poiony-flowered perfection, TriiffauVs Newest — One of the 
best; very large, beautiful flowers; petals long and a little 
reflexed: two feet. 
A. pearl — This is entitled to be called a gem among Asters; is of 
dwarf, compact, busliy habit, not above fifteen inches in 
height, closely set with beautiful imbricated, double, globu- 
lar flowers of good colors. 
A. rose, improved — A valuable class of Aster, producing very 
double and large flowers. The blood-red color of this 
variety is the darkest and most brilliant of all Asters; two 
feet. 
A. Victoria — Flowers very double, imbricated, globular and 
large; the plant is very robust, about two feet high and 
branching. 



142 THE HOME FLORIST. 

A. Victoria, dwarf — Only one foot high, but very rich flowering, 

with tiowers three to four inches across. 
-.4. Emperor, (jiant — Very brilliant and beautiful colors; flowers 

double and of immense size, often four inches in diameter; 

two feet. 

ASTILBE JAPONICA— Spirea Japonica {Hardy Herbaceous 
Perennial). 

One of the most beautiful of hardy plants. It blooms in early 
summer, producing upright spikes of wliite, delicately-formed, 
fragrant flowers; the foliage is of compound digitate form, and 
exceedingly attractive, being of a deep, uniform green color ; 
height of plant two to four feet. By potting the Astilbe at the 
approach of winter it may be taken into the dwelling or conser- 
vatory and forced into bloom from January and later, by which 
Cvourse it succeeds easily and becomes very attractive. Propagated 
by division of the roots. 

AZALEA {Greenhouse Shrubby Perennial, 35, 50, 70°). 

Plants of high value for window and conservatory decoration, 
being covered with one blaze of beauty in the spring months, and 
continuing to increase in splendor and tlie profusion of flowers 
with each year's growth. In the summer they should be moved 
to the open air, plunging the pots to their rims in soil in some 
shady place, as against a fence or building, until September, when 
they should be taken for the winter, either into the conservatory 
direct, or cellar, or cold-pit, to bring in for flowering at any time 
between February and May. The most suitable time for re-pot- 
ting the plants is after their flowering season; they delight in a 
light soil, containing a good deal of vegetable matter, such as 
peat or loam from the woods; propagated by cuttings. 

BALSAM— Lady's Slipper {Tender Annual). 

Balsams are plants that are readily grown from seed, and 
which will repay for any time and trouble needed to raise them 
Their double blossoms of most brilliant colors, fine shape and beau- 
tiful texture, rank them among the finest of flowers, but unfor- 
tunately being short stemmed, their use in ordinary bouquets is 
prec-luded; they can. however, be employed in arranging plate 
bouquets or upon baskets of moss very well. Tlie pure whit© 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



143 




Balsam. 

variety is largely grown by florists for making into wreaths and 
other designs suitable for funerals by first stemming them with 
wire on short bits of match stick and inserting these into forms of 
moss, so that the flowers touch. Frequently no other flowers are 
used for such work but the double white Balsam, and tlie effect 
produced is complete. For ordinary culture the seed may be 
sown in tlie hot-bed, cold-frame, or seed-bed, transplanting the 
plants finally to a distance of ten or twelve inches apart, after the 
second set of leaves have started. Few plants are susce2:)tible of 
such great impi ovement by pinching as is the Balsam. The plants 
may be trained to one, three or five branches for flowering, and 
in either case will be more pleasing than if allowed to take their 
natural course of gi-owth ; or some plants may be trained to each 
style, thus creating variety in this way. To train to one stalk, 
simply remove all side shoots as they appear; this will cause 



144 THE HOME FLORIST. 

the central one to grow two or three feet in height, and be perfectly 
covered with bloom. For three or five shoots, pinch back the termi- 
nal and all side shoots but the desired number for flowering. The 
American climate is well adapted to the Balsam, and if it be 
grown in good ricli soil, flowei-s of great excellence can be pro- 
duced, although it seems established that some flowers will 
come only partially double from the best strains of seed. The 
plant is well suited to pot culture in summer, by having the soil 
of good loamy quality, well enriched, and giving it a sunny posi- 
tion and plenty of water. Nothing smaller than a six-inch pot 
will answer well for this purpose. 
B. camellia-flou-ered, spotted German— Very double and choice, 

spotted with white. 
B. camellia-fou-ered—Fure white. 
B. camellia-flou-ered, doiible dwarf— Very fine; eight or ten 

inches in height. 
B. carnation— Fine double flowers, resembling a Carnation. 
B. Victoria— Satiny white, spotted with scarlet; exceedingly 

pretty. 
B. rose-Jtoicered—Vertectly double. 
B. extra double dwarf— Yery double; eight inches. 

BALM— Melissa {Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). 
Pretty hardy plants with highly fragrant leaves, doing well in 
the sun or shade. Propagated by cuttings, or by dividing the 
roots. 

B. golden— Green leaves with bright yellow blotches. 
B. silver— Green leaves, blotched with pure white. 

BEGONIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 36. 55, 80"). 

An interesting family of plants in their two divisions of flower- 
ing and showy-leafed sorts. The more free-flowering varieties of 
the former are indispensable in every florist establislnnent. their 
liandsome blossoms being valuable for buutiuets. The plants of 
this section are also very suitable for pot culture in the window, 
or the out-of-door plant stand, and also for planting in hanging 
baskets and ferneries, but possess little value for l)t'dding in 
the garden unless planted in a warm place well protected from 
winds. During the greater portion of the year the plants are in 
the different varieties covered with a profusion of graceful, 
drooping racemes of rose, pink, white and crimson buds and bios- 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



145 




Tuberous-rooted Begonid} Flowers. 



soms that are exceedingly attractive, and having a waxy, coral- 
like appearance. The plants themselves are of neat, compact 
habit, with glossy green leaves in some varieties and exquisitely 
cut ones in others. Both sections of the Begonia family delight 
in warm, sandy, well-enriched soil; they are readily propagated 
by cuttings or seed. 

B. olcucaphi/Uia scandens — An early flowering variety, produc- 
ing clusters of rich, salmon-colored flowers from the axil of 
each leaf, the plant being of a lovely drooping habit; it is 
exceedingly fine for hanging baskets in a warm place. 
B. hybrida midtiflova—A. remarkably neat and free-flowering 
variety, with small, ovate, glossy leaves, and many rose 
pink blossoms; excellent. 
B. nitida alba— A free-growing, profuse-blooming variety, hav- 
ing pure white flowers during the winter months. 
B. palmata— Attractive, palm-shaped leaves. 



146 THE HOME FLORIST. 



B.parviflora — Dwarf; a neat growing plant with white flowers; 
blooms most profusely in summer,at whicli time its liowers 
are very useful for bouquets. 

B. Sax lulei-sonii (Cornl Begonia) — One of the best flowering Be- 
gonias; the flowers are of a scarlet shade of crimson, borne 
in profusion for months at a time; leaves slightly edged 
with scarlet. 

B. Wello)iieHsis— This valuable plant I consider deserving of more 
than ordinary notice; it is a rapid, healthy grower, very 
l)rofuse bloomer, with beautiful foHage, and always presents 
an attractive appearance, summer and winter. The surface 
of the leaves show various shades of dark and light green 
of remarkable richness, and presents a transparent 
depth of texture, without any gloss whatever, of the most 
exquisite beauty, being somewhat similar — excei)t in color — 
to the bloom on the grape. The flowers and buds of a beau- 
tiful pink color, are produced in clusters by the hundred on 
an ordinary sized ])lant, with common culture. The leaf 
stalks and branches of the plant are dark crimson, and suf- 
ficiently striking to create a marked contrast with the bril- 
liant green leaves and the pink flowers. Unlike many 
plants that possess unusual merit in some respects and 
then have counter-balancing faults, this Begonia is unex- 
celled by any of the older varieties for freeness of growth 
and flowering qualities, and the plant naturally assumes a 
v.'t>l l-pi'oportioned form. 

B. metallica — A shrubby variety, good grower and free bloomer; 
leaves triangular, longer than wide; under side of leaves 
and stems hairy; the surface of a lustrous metallic or 
bronze color; veined darker; flowers pale peach, covered 
with glandular red hairs. It is perfectly distinct from any 
other. The best house Begonia we know, and a perfect 
companion to the following, with the additional advantage 
of having lovely foliage. 

B. rubra— This is one of the finest acquisitions to our winter- 
flowering plants; the leaves are of tlie darkest gret'n, tlie 
color of the flowers scarlet rose, glossy and wax-like. This 
peculiarity is so marked, that when plants are placed 
singly in a room the glossy appearance of the leaves and 
flowers give the impression that they are artificial rather 
than natural. See cut, next page. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



147 




Begonin Rubra, 

B. WasJiingtonii — A vigorous grower, large leaves; elegant truss 

of pure white flowers. 
B. Schmidfii — A new variety with dark metallic green foliage; a 

profuse bloomer, being covered with white flowers, tinged 

with pink. 
B. ricinifolia — Large palmate leaves, showy flowers; a fine bed- 
ding variety. 
B. Ricinifolia macalata — Like the above, but with the leaves 

beautifully mottled bronze. 
B. sangi(.inea—JJ\:)\^er surface of leaves olive color, underside 

dark crimson, very fine; flowers nearly white. 
B. suhpeltata Nigricans — Long, pointed leaf, rich crimson bronze, 

very beautiful; flowers bright rose. 
B. incarnata — Vigorous grower; flowers white, edged bi'ight 

pink. 
B. Degswellaina — Flowers dark crimson, center pink; very free 

bloomer; a beautiful vnriety; will please everybody. 



148 



THE IK)ME FLORIST. 



B. semperflorens rosea — A most b3autiful Begonia, in habit and 
form exactly like llie old Semperflorens. The flowers ap- 
pear in lary;e clusters, and are white, heavily shaded, and 
bordered with dark carmine-rose. The contrast of these 
colors with the bright yellow of the stamens, produces a 
most charming effect; very free; this variety will become 
one of the most popular shrubby Begonias. 

B. alba iierfeda grandiflora—llaa beautiful bright green foliage, 
with large clusters of pure white flowers; this is a choice 
variety. 

B. McBetliii — Foliage fern-like; panicles of pure white flowers, 
produced in the greatest profusion; it is the most persistent 
bloomer of the Begonias, and supersedes Richardsonii, 
wliich variety it resembles in foliage. 

B. foUosa — A handsome basket plant; the foliage is small and 
delicate and contrasts well with its white bloom. 

B. robusta — Bright carmine and salmon flowers. 








Begonia Fuchsioides. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 149 



B. fuchsioides — Free-blooming variety; small scarlet flowers. See 

cut. 
B. Goury — New shrubby variety; flowers pure white. 
B. Bruanti — Foliage bright green; flowers quite large, white, 

tinged with pink, completely covering the whole plant; 

shrubby, like the preceding variety. 

Showy-Leaf Begonias— Of the show-leaf varieties, I will state 
that lovtrs of the beautiful in Nature's grotesque growths will 
find in this entke division much to admire. Their large and in- 
teresting leaves add an effect to collections of plants which can 
be equaled by nothing else grown. Imagine the larger part of 
the leaf to be a bright greenish silver hue, with the centre and 
outer edge a lively deep green in some places, or rather several 
shades of green, spotted lightly with silver. Then imagine the 
upper surface of the leaf -ribs to be studded with small crimson 
hairs, while the extreme edge is fringe-like, and of a crimson 
scarlet color, as is also the underside, with the veins distinctly 
prominent and showy, and some idea of the beauty of this entire 
section can be formed. AH the varieties are suitable for pot cul- 
ture and for hanging baskets in protected places. They delight in 
a warm, shady place, and should not be exposed to sweeping 
drafts of air. In habit and general appearance the first and last- 
named varieties in the following descriptions are quite similar to 
the flowei ing section of Begonias, being lipriecht growers, with 
branches, while the others are prostrate in habit, although the 
leaves stand well up on long stems. 

B. argyrostygma Veitchii — Is a handsome variety, the leaves of 
which are smooth, of medium size, light green and thickly 
covered "with small, clear silver markings; underside of a 
crimson color, smooth; white flowers; easy to cultivate. 

B. £■/ i)ojodo — Has medium sized leaves, distinctly marked and 
of a peculiar velvety texture. 

B. insignis — A free grower, leaves of medium size, with a metal- 
lic lustre. 

B. luxuriance— Leaves nearly star-shaped, borne on stems a foot 
long; grotesque. 

B.Mary Stuart — Large, showy leaves; an old favorite, perhaps 
the best in cultivation. 

B. Mrs. Victor Lemoine — Light-colored leaf, with the edges and 
centre beautifuUy marked like lace, 



150 THE HOME FLORIST. 



B. Queen of Begonias— A good grower. 

B. Rex — A fine variety; excellent; doscriberl above. 

B. Silver Queen— A. variety in which tlie silvery color predomin- 
ates. 

B. zehrina—A. beautiful upright grower of bold appearance, with 
thick leathery leaves from four to six inches long and two 
wide in. their widest parts; of a very dark green color, 
striped with silvery marks; underside and stems of dark 
crimson and red colors; a very handsome variety. 

B. Louis Crcticii — Tlie handsomest of all foliage Begonias; ground 
color dark green, with silver band, tinted violet crimson, 
with metallic lustre. 

BEGONIA— Tuberous Rooted (Tender Tubers). 

A comparatively new section of this beautiful tribe; flowers 
ranging through all the shades of crimson, scai'let, rose, orange, 
etc. They require the same treatment as the fancy-leaved C'ala- 
diums, Gloxinias, etc ; tiiat is, the tubers are dried off in winter 
and started again in spring. Excellent for bedding purposes, as 
they bloom the entire summer season until frost; propagated by 
division of tubers. See cut, page li~). 

BIGNONIA RADICANS— Trumpet Creeper (Hardy Climber). 

A climber sufficiently hardy to withstand our severest weather; 
trains well over a wall; it is admirable to climb trees, reaching to 
the topmost branches, and is literally covered with its scarlet, 
trumpet-shaped flowers. 

BONAPARTIA JUNCEA (Greenhouse rerennial, 40, 60, 90"). 

A very scarce genus of plants, with long, graceful, rush-like 
leaves; very attractive when grown in a vase out-of-doors in the 
summer. Flowers borne on long spikes. It requires a warm tem- 
perature in winter; propagated by seeds. 

BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 

50, 90"). 

Tliis handsome plant is quite easily grown, thriving in almost 
any temperature that is higher tlian 40 tlegrees. It produces very 
freely large cone-shaped raci'Mu-s of beautiful rose-colored flowers. 
Being of climbing habit, it probably has no eijual for training (o 
the rafters of conservatories or greenhouses. The Bougainvillea 



THE HOME FLORIST. 151 



has proved to be a very valuable plant to force for the bloom 
during the winter; propagated by cuttings. 

BOUSSINGAULTIA {Tender Tuber). 

A native of the Andes. An elegant climbing vine, with round- 
ish fleshy leaves, long clusters of fragrant whitish flowers and 
tuberous roots. Will grow in any good garden soil; propagated 
by division of tubeis. 

B. Basselloides, (Madeira Vine)— Excellent for trellises, etc. 
BOUVARDIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 60, 90°). 

A highly useful class of shrubby plants for the greenhouse and 
the window, if these are warm and sunny, and also succeed with 
bedding out, strong plants blooming all summer iu the beds; 
plants that are properly prepared in pots will also bloom continu- 
ally during the winter in the conservatory or other suitable place. 
Thousands of feet of glass are each year devoted to its culture 
for bouquet flowers in the vicinity of our large cities. The flowers 
have an exceedingly beautiful, waxy appearance, and are of 
bright and desirable colors, from the purest white to scarlet. A 
mellow, open soil is best suited to the Bouvardia. As it requires 
a high temperature for its growth, the plants should not be bedded 
out in the latitude of Buffalo before the latter part of May. For 
winter flowering they should be started the spring previous and 
gi-own m about flve-inch pots until September, when they may 
be shifted into a larger size for flowering (observe directions for 
summer and fall treatment on page 31). Towards spring the 
flowering and other shoots should be severely pruned back to in- 
duce a stocky new growth for summer flowering. 

With the exception of one variety, Bouvardias are readily pro- 
pagated by cuttings; the old way of increasing them by root cut- 
tings is being superseded by this method; the one requisite to suc- 
cess in their propagation is to take the cuttinsrs from plants grown 
in the open air; cuttings taken in this manner and placed in a 
frame with very little buttom heat (care being taken as to air and 
water) will root as easily as Verbenas; the one exception to this 
metliod is B. Leiantha, which refuses to propagate except from 
the root. 

B. Daindsonii —Vvire white flowers, slightly tinted with a delicate 
blush; large clusters. 



152 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




1 



Bouvardia, 

B. elegans — Light scarlet-carmine : immense truss and flower; 

very brilliant in color and an exceedingly free bloomer; one 

of the best. 
B. Ij'iantha — Dark, dazzling scarlet; flowers completely covering 

the plant. 
B. President Gar/ieZd— Double i)iidc. The flowers of this new 

variety art' llie same in si/.e and formation as the double 

white, while the color is of a briglit jiiuk, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 1 53 

B. Alfred Neuner — Large, double white flowers, composed of 
three perfect rows of petals of the purest waxy white color, 
each flower resembling a miniature tuberose. The trusses 
are large and perfect, freely and without interruption pro- 
duced even on the small side shoots, which generally pro- 
duce no flowers in the single varieties; strong, healthy, vig- 
orous grower. 

B. Thomas Mceh an -The new double scarlet; this novelty unites 
the brilliant red color and profuse blooming qualit}^ of B. 
Leiantha, with the perfect double flower of B. Alfred 
Neuner, a variety of decided merit. 

B. Humholdtii — Flowers of purest white, nearly one-inch in 
diameter, borne on long foot stalks in loose panicles, bloom- 
ing from October to June; rich Jass? mine fragrance. 

B. flavescens—Uhe uncommon and beautiful shade of color of 
this variety will commend it to all; color light canary yel- 
low; tnisses of good size and moderately compact. 

B. rosea midtiflora — This splendid novelty is one of the finest sin- 
gle varieties. Tlie trusses are very large and compact, and 
are produced in the greatest profusion ; color bright deep 
rose. This is a true winter flowering variety of the same 
class as elegans and Davidsonii. 

BROWALIA {Half-Hardy Annual). 

A class of flowers usually grown in the garden, but also quite 
suitable for pot culture. There are a number of varieties, the 
colors of which are blue and white. Tlie flowers are not large, 
but are pretty and distinct, and are freely produced for a long time 
on a stalk about a foot high. The seed may be sown in the open 
ground where they are to flower, or in a protected bed, from which 
they should be transplanted to a distance of twelve inches apart. 
Also increased from cuttings. 

BEUGMANSIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). 

Peruvian shiTibs will thrive well either planted in open ground 
or in the conservatory ; they will also grow well in large pots; when 
l^lanted out they should be taken up before f i-ost. 
B. suaveolens — A magnificent plant, growing four to six feet high; 
leaves large and velvet}- the floweis are huge, trumpet- 
shaped, double and highly fragrant, and are often twelve 



I 54 THE HOMF FLORIST. 



inches long and four to six inches across the mouth; in 
color, wliitc, with :i ])ale tinpje of lemon: blooms profusely 
all summer; propagated by cuttings, either of the shoots or 
roots. 

BRYOPHYLLUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80"). 

This curious plant will grow under the most unfavorable cir- 
cumstances. By i)lacing a leaf in a damp place it will take root 
and numerous young plants start up. 

B. calyciinim. -Very easily grown, producing loose panicles of 
gi'eenish purple tiowers. 

BUTTERCUP. (See Ranunculus). 

CACALIA— Flora's Paint Brush {Half Hardy Annual). 

Plants grown with the greatest ease from seed, which maybe 
sown in the o^jen ground in May, or earlier in the hot-bed, or other 
protected situation, and afterwards transplanting them to the 
garden. The flowers range from scarlet to yellow in color, are 
bright and pretty, and somewhat resemble a miniature biiish; in 
size they are small and produced in clusters on long stems, on 
which ac-count they are useful for bouquets, althougii not strik- 
ingly brilliant. The plants attain a height of from eighteen 
inches to two feet, and are in bloom throughout the summer 
months. Also do well if sown in the fall. 

CACTV^ {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 95^). 

A well-known family of succulent, or flesh\' plants, all of which 
are natives of the warmer regions of America. They are desira- 
ble as jjot plants, on account of the remarkably interesting forms 
of growth which the various species assume, their almost un- 
exceptionally beautifid flowers which are freely produced in ordi- 
nary culture, and then the ease with which they are cultivated, 
eitlier in the window or conservatory. To grow the Cactus well, 
all that is necessary is to imitate the simjile natural conditions 
that exist where they grow wild. They are found in tlieir great- 
est perfection in sections which are subject to severe drouths of 
long duration, alternate with long wet spells, and accordingly 
under culture, a course of treatment that provides for a free aji- 
plication of water for three or four months and then the same 
largely withheld during the rest of the year suits them 



n 



THE HOME FLORIST. I 55 

exactly. They may be kept dryest during the winter, but they 
should not be stood in a place where it is cold. Repotting them 
frequently is not wanted, and it should be done not oftener than 
once a year. April is the best time for performing this operation, 
after which their wet season may begin. They delight in a sandy 
soil not too rich. The bottom of every pot should be covered 
with an inch of broken pots or rough gravel for drainage; propa- 
gated by cuttings. 

C. Ephiphyllum truncation, or Lobster Cactus — This species when 
grafted on the pereskia will form a beautiful head, and 
makes a very desirable plant for the sitting-room and may 
be in bloom from November to March. Being in flower in 
the winter it rec^uires a. little more water at this season than 
other kinds do. 

CALADIUM ESCULENTUM (Greenhouse biilh, '65, 55, 85°). 

A beautiful decorative plant of imposing appearance that will 
accommodate itself to various courses of treatment. As a pot 
plant, grown in a place sheltered from winds in the summer, it 
grows to the height of four feet, and with its immense leaves, 
lends a tropical appearance to collections, which is exceedingly 
effective. For garden culture the treatment suited to the Dahlia 
with free manuring and watering never neglected, meets the 
wants of this plant precisely. It delights in a warm, sandy soil, 
and may be left out until frosts cut down the foliage before taking 
up for the winter. As a single specimen pot plant or for the cen- 
tre of vases, it is almost without a superior, provided it receives a 
rich soil and much water. If it is kept too dry the growth will 
be comparatively feeble and it will be subject to attacks of red 
spider; increased by division of bulbs. 

Caladtum, Fancy Leaved— (Tender Bulbs)— Tlnnis with 
splendid foliage and of easy culture. Keep the bulbous roots 
quite dry during winter, and wiien growth starts, give lieat and 
moisture. Use turfy loam, peat, manure and sand, with plenty 
of drainage; increased by division of bulbs. 

CALANDRINIA {Half-Hardy Annual). 

Free-growing plants, producing rose, white and other colored 
flowers freely during the summer, that are desirable in the gar- 
den considering the slight expense and trouble necessary to rear 



156 



THE HOME FLORIST, 



them, although they cannot be classed among very fine flowers. 
They remain in flower until after frosts, and are frequently <juite 
pretty thus late in the season. Sow in May, wliere they are to 
flower, or earlier in heat or in a protected bed and transplant. 

CALCEOLARIA— Carpet Bao or Moccasin Flower (Green- 
house Perennials, 32, 45, 75°). 

Shrubby Calceolarias. 
These ai'e free-blooming plants 
of good habits, which produce 
exceedingly attractive, irregular 
flowers, the lower lip of each be- 
ing a large inflated sac which, by 
its appearance, not inappropri- 
ately entitles it to tlie common 
name of Carpet Bag or Moccasin 
Flower. The plants are of erect, 
shrubby habit ; growing to a 
height of from six inches to two 
feet. They are A-aluable as pot 
plants in the window or conserv- 
atory, or for bedding out in posi- 
tions that are shaded the hottest 
part of each day, as the intense heat of the sun is not favorable 
to growth andbloom. In the autunm tliey are the last to sus- 
tain injury from freezing, and can then be taken up and wintered 
in a well-protected cold pit or cellar with ease. Also suitaVile for 
the conservatory or window in winter. Propagate from cuttings 
of the young growth. There are numerous varieties, but the fol- 
lowing combine the greatest number of good points, all of which 
have pure, rich colors, and are of good form and size : 
C. aureafloribundri— Has rich, sulphur yellow flowers. 
C. fulgens — Crimson maTOon. 
C Golden Prince— An excellent bright yellow. 
C. Mrs. Woodniff—Beep crimson; largi^ and brilliant; a tall 

grower. 
C. Queen of Oude—Uirge, crimson nuiroon, motthMl in the most 

pleasing manner. 
C. Sho'.oer of Gf<W— This variety blooms in profusion, is a dwarf 
grower, and stands the hot sun well; color bright clear yel- 
low. 




Calceolaria. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 157 

Herbaceous Calceolarias — These are a distinct section, be- 
ing always reared from seed sown in the greenhouse in the sum- 
mer montlis, the plants flowering the following spring. Although 
the hybrid varieties are among the most showy plants in cultiva- 
tion for decorating the conservatory, their culture would hardly 
be likely to result successfully in the window, except by the most 
pains-taking care. The seeds are very fine and require careful 
treatment in sowing to begin with. As soon as the young seed- 
lings can be handled they should be potted into small pots and 
given a place near the glass. Always sh-'ft them into larger pots 
before the roots mat around the ball of earth, as their growth is 
liable to be checked if they become pot bound, and by these 
means the green fly, its greatest pest, be invited. The plants re- 
quire a rich sandy soil. 

CALENDULA— Cape Marigold {Hardy Annual). 

Desirable free-growing annuals which flower almost continually 
throughout the summer and until after frosts. As they have long, 
stiff stems, and the colors are attractive, they are much in de- 
mand in the cities, for ladies' wear in corsage bouquets, and other 
floral arrangements; easily grown from seed. 
C. la Prousti is a double variety, of nankeen color, edged with 

brown. 
C. pluvialis — Single, white, of a remarkably pure color. 

CALLA— Ethiopian Lily {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80°). 

Few plants that are suitable for cultivating in pots in the 
window are equal to the much-esteemed and easily-managed 
Calla. The same is quite true of its value as a conservatory plant, 
excepting that it meets some rivals here which do not prove so 
formidable in the window garden, because few can be grown in 
the window to the same degree of perfection. The flowers, or 
rather floral bracts, are large, pure white, and with the spadix in 
the centre, possess a delicate fragrance and beautj", which render 
them typical of all that is pure and elegant. They are produced 
singly on long stems, and remain beautiful for several weeks. The 
l^lants bloom most freely in the early spring, and are grown large- 
ly by florists for adorning churches at Easter, being, when in 
flower, exceedingly appropriate for this purpose. The best course 
of treatment for the Calla is, after flowering, to give them a 
state of rest until August, by keeping the entire ball of soil 



158 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Calla. 



nearly dust-dry. After this the earth should be soaked and 
washed from the roots, repotting into fresh, rich soil. The 
small offsets that will be found about the base should also be 
removed. Potted anew, give an abundance of water daily, 
until and through their flowering season, up to their next annual 
rest. It is almost impossilJe to overdo the watering, to the injury 
of the ])lant, for its nature admits of its growing in water, and it 
will grow well in aquariums. The small offsets from the root 
may be potted for new stock. There are two common varieties, 
the tall and the dwarf (Calla Ethiopica Nana), both of which have 
white flowers. The tall kind grows, to the height of from two to 
four feet, and the dwarf from twelve to twenty inches, with a 
proportionate difference in the size of the flowers; increased by 
dividing the bulbs. 

CALLIOPSIS, OP COREOPSIS {Hardy Aitnual). 

Annuals that produce an abundance of convenient long- 
stemmed flowers throughout the season, of remarkably rich, 
bright colors, such as yellow and crimson, yellow aid brown, vel- 
vety crimson, blood-red, yellow with crimson spots, etc. There 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



159 



are dwarf and tall varieties, the former growing from one to two 
feet, the latter, two feet and upwards in height. Of easy cul- 
ture in any garden soil. 

CALYCANTHUS FLORIDUS— Sweet-Scented Shrub {Hardy 

Shrub). 

A native of the Southern States; remarkable for the scent of 
the flowers (resembling that of ripe fruit), as well as for their 
peculiar brown color; propagated from seed or offsets. 

CAMELLIA {Greenhouse Perennial, C2, 50, 75'). 

In the conservatory the Ca- 
mellia has long been one of the 
most famous of winter flow- 
ers, and to the commercial 
florist of great value for mak- 
ing bouquets, baskets of flow- 
ers, etc. It is well enough 
adapted to cultivation in the 
window, as regards the suit- 
ability of the situation, for 
the plant naturally grows in 
shady places in the woods, 
but to be successful in having 
it flower w-ell, the plant re- 
quires strict attention to its 
peculiar wants in other re- 
spects. The plant produces 
its large flowers only during 
the winter, commencing 
with the early fall months and 
lingering somewhat into the 
spring. They are from three to six inches in diameter, very 
perfect in form, with petals that are thick and of the most 
extraordinary satiny texture. The principal colors are pure 
white— the favorite color— bright rose, cherry, scarlet rose, bright 
red, variegated, salmon rose and others. After flowering, the 
Camellia makes its growth, preceding which it should be repotted, 
if at all. The plants require shifting but once in two years, ex- 
cept with very thrifty young ones, wliirh may receive it each 
spring. Any soil is suited to its growth, provided it is well 




Camellia. 



l6o THE HOMK FLORIST. 

enriched with one-third part of leaf mould and thoroughlj- rotten 
manure. With its growth in the spring, we meet with the pecu- 
liarity of this plant, in forming its flower huds, more than half a 
year previous to tlieir opening, and it is during the long time be- 
tween the formation of the buds and their opening, that the 
treatment the plant receives, decides whether the buds— usually 
formed in abundance, will develoj) into flowers or drop before 
opening, an occurrence often met by inexperienced cultivators. 
Were the treatment it requires during tliis time difficult, there 
might be an excuse for this unfortunate termination of the 
flower buds, but tliis is by no means tlie case. Tlie plant simply 
requires a light, shady place in the summer, such as may be found 
in a shaded greenhouse that is well ventilated (see '"Summer 
IManagement of tlie Amateur's Conservatory "), or in the shade 
of a building or verandah, and be given an abundance of water, 
also paying attention to cleanliness of the thick leathery foliage. 
Its habit is deceitful in the respect, that the leaves will look 
green and bright, although the soil is quite too dry for its general 
good, and especially for the flower bu<ls. The soil must, how- 
ever, not be kept in a soaked condition, as this would prove as 
great an injury as the other. Water sliould be applied only wlien 
the surface becomes dry, and then a sufficient quantity should be 
poured on to entirely soak the ball of earth, letting this suffice 
until the plant requires and is given another thorough watering, 
which may be the next day or later still. During its flowering 
season water must not be spared, and in the dwelling the atmos- 
phere should be kept as moist where the plants are as well can 
be done. Fre<iuent syringing or sponging the foliage is also 
needed the year through. In the conservatory, that portion 
where the Camellias are kept, nuist have the glass shaded from 
the sun as soon in the spring as the plants start into growth, or 
the leaves will receive sun scald. Keep a lookout for Red Spider 
on the leaves; these insects, although not particularly troublesome 
to this plant, sometimes make inroads upon them before one is 
aware of their presence; propagated by cuttings or by grafting, 
or inarching. 

CAMPANULA {I'lardy Annuals, Biennials and Perennials). 

The annual Campanulas are neat, free-flowering plants of small 
size and useful for massing. Tlie oolors are not very striking and 
yet not bad, ranging from white to rosy purple and blue; sliould 



THE HOME FLORIST. l6t 



be sown where they are to bloom. The hardy section includes 
the well-known biennial Canterbury Bells (Campanula Medium), 
which is readily grown from seed, and many fine perennial sorts. 

CAMPSIDIUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 90°). 

A small genus of vines; they have deeply divided compound 

leaves and are exceedingly ornamental. Grow in light turfy soil, 

peat and a little sand, propagated by cuttings. 

C. ^Ztci/'oZmm— Delicate small leaves, resembling fern fronds; the 

flowers are small, of a rich orange color. An elegant vine 

for conservatories. 

CAMPYLOBOTRYS {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 60, 95°). 

These are beautiful greenhouse shrubs, remarkable for their 
glossy foliage, propagated by cuttings. 

C regalis— The foliage is a rich bronzy green color, with satiny 
lustre. A plant of rare beauty. 

CANDYTUFT {Hardy Annuals, Principally). 

The annual Candytuft is one of the most useful plants for sum- 
mer flowers that can be grown. It is raised from seed with 
the greatest ease, and in a remarkably short time after sowing, 
the plant will become covered with flowers, if the weather is suit- 
able. The same plants will not flower freely during the entire 
summer, and therefore it is better to sow several times for suc- 
cession, if flowers are constantly wanted. They will bloom until 
after frosts. The flowers are pure white, several shades of crim- 
son, and lilac, and very suitable for bouquet-making. The seed 
for the earliest flowers may be sown very early in the spring — 
better yet in the fall. Thin out the plants to be four inches apart. 
The Hardy Candytuft (Iberis Sempervirens) in several sorts, is a 
hardy plant of spreading habit, producing an abundance of pure 
wJiite flowers early in the spring. As it does not die to the 
ground in winter, the plants should be somewhat protected to 
keep the fohage green; may be propagated by layers. 

CANARY BIRD FLOWER. (See Tropseolum). 

CANNA {Tender Bulbous Perennial). 

This is a genus of ornamental plants that are well adapted to 
the American climate. They grow with the greatest vigor, either 



l62 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



as pot plants or bedded in the garden, and produce a stately 
tropical effect, with their broad massive foliage and beautiful 
flowers, with little care. There is only one thing to be particular 
about in managing them, and that is to provide a rich soil and 
plent}^ of water and then they will produce astonishing results. 
The Canna is freely propagated by division of tlie roots at plant- 
ing time. During winter, the roots slioidd be kept in dry sand in 
a dry cellar, or under the bench in the conservatory. Some of 
the best sorts come well from seed, but the really valuable varie- 
ties are shy seeders. 
C. bicoIoi'—Js a beautiful free-growing variety, with a blending 

of various shades of green in the foliage. 
C. gigantens avrantica — Foliage yellowish-gTeen, of fine appear- 
ance and free-growing habit. 
C. 7m rfim— Flowers scarlet, foliage green, free grower. 
C. tricolor — Is a comjiact grower three feet high, with beautifully 
marked leaves. The stem, with the young terminal 
growth, and also leaf margins, are tinted with red, mak- 
ing an elegant contrast to the general effect of the foliage, 
which is streaked and mottled with creamy white. 
C. warzeioiczi — Foliage striped with dark maroon, crimson and 
green. I have measured clumps of this variety, grown 
from a single plant set out in spring, that were by Septem- 
ber over four feet high, Avith leaves extending two feet from 
the center each way. 

CARNATION— MONTHLY OR TREE {Greenhouse Perennial, 

27, 50, 85°). 

The Monthly Carnation I take pleasure in recommending to all 
cultivators of flowers, because but few plants possessing its liardi- 
ness and ease of culture have so many good qualities. It is a 
rival of the Rose, the Japan Lily and other plants of e(|ually high 
order. The flowers are deliciously fragrant, and possi>ss, in the 
different varieties, colors unsurpassed in richness and beauty. 
Good i)lants, if set out in spring, bloom abundantly all siuiuner 
in the flower garden, and any that are properly prepared. lU)\ver 
just as freely all during winter in the window or conservatory. 
For this latter named puiixise they should be gn)wn in the garden 
until the middle of September, removing all flower buds as they 
appear up until August. (See Preparatory Treatment of Plants 
designed for Winter Flowering, page 44.) Some varieties are 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



163 




Monthly Carnation Plant in Pot. 

better adapted for winter flowering than others. President De- 

graw, Hinzies White, La Purite, President Garfield and Snowdon 

generally are preferred for this purjiose. In the open ground 

plant not nearer than one foot apart ; they may be propagated 

from layers of the branches or from cuttings. 

C. Astoria — Yellow, striped with carmine and white. 

C Brussels — One of the very best. Deep cherry-red occasionally 

striped. 
C. Chas. Sumner — Beautiful rosy-pink. 
C. Chester Pride — White, penciled with rosy-carmine. 
C. Crimson King — Very double, crimson-scarlet. 
C Edwardsii — White, tinted with pale rose. 
C. Faragut — Yellow, heavily laced with deep maroon. 



164 



THE HOMI'! FLORIST. 




Monthly Carnation Flower. 
C. George Washington -White, striped and dotted with cherry. 
C. Grace Wilder — Color, a beautiful, delicate pink, same shade as 

H. P. Rose Baroness Rothschild ; flowers lar^'e, finely 

fringed, clove-scented ; dwarf habit and very prolific. 
C. Hinzies WJtite—Pnre wliite, large, fine flower, supported on 

stems of good length, making it desirable for cut flowers. 
C. la Parcte — Low growing, deep -carmine, free bloomer. 
C. la Purete variegata—Beautihil variegateil, white and scarlet. 
C. Lord Clyde — White, thicklj' striped with carmine. 
C. Louis Lenoir— Yery dark maroon. 
C. Lydia — Yellow, margined with bright deep cherry. 
C.MissJoliffe — Delicate, rosy-blush, blooms freely. Fine. 
C. Mrs. McKenzie — Light rose, fringed edges, A splendid large 

flower, very double, i^id of excellent form. 
C. Peter Henderson— Vwre white, very large and double. This 

is one of the most popular flowers for florists' work. 

Blooms verj' freely. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 165 

C. President DeGraw — One of the finest, pure white, fringed and 

double. 
C. President Garfield — A strong, healthy grower; habit of growth 
quite dwarf and compact ; the flowers are of large size, 
perfect form, highly fragrant ; of rich vermilion color. 
C. Snoivdon — Pure white, great bloomer. 
C. Vesuvius — Rich fiery scarlet, exceedingly double. Large size, 

a free bloomer, and one of the most valuable varieties. 
CARPET BAG OR MOCCASIN FLOWER. (See Calceolaria.) 
CELOSIA — Cockscomb {Half-Hardy Annual). 
A class of plants desirable in every collection on account of the 
singular and attractive appearance of the flowers. They possess 
numerous good colors, scarlet or crimson being the most striking, 
the flowers with these colors being exceedingly rich and showy. 
The plants are grown from seed which should be started in heat, 
and transplanted to the garden after frosts are over, as they are 
easily killed by freezing. In the hot-bed or window give plenty 
of air to the young seedlings lest they dampen off or rot to the 
grounJ. The plants, especially of the dwarf varieties, are well 
suited to pot culture in the summer, thriving here almost equal 
to those planted out, if the soil is rich and sandy. Some of the 
new varieties of late years are attracting considerable attention. 
CENTAUREA {Greenhouse Perennial, 30, 45, 80°). 
An interesting and beautiful genus of white-foliaged plants 
that rank higher perhaps among the various kinds possessing 
similar attractions than any others, and this too whether grown 
in pots, baskets or vases, or if bedded out. For the last named 
purpose they are especially desirable when used for planting at 
the edge of beds containing Cannas, Caladiums, Ricinus and 
other tall growers, or for contrasting with Coleus, Achyranthes, 
etc., in ribbon lines and masses. They are easily gi-own from 
seed, comparatively hardy, and few plants in our collection are 
more satisfactory to the cultivator. 
C. Candida— Is a lovely plant of neat, compact, bushy growth, 

with exceedingly pretty silver- colored foliage. 
C. gymnocarpa — Is a variety with attractive cut foliage, of 
graceful, drooping habit. It is one of the finest plants 
in cultivation for the center of hanging baskets, vases, etc. , 
or for bedding out, being also more readily propagated 
than Candida. 



i66 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



CENTRADENIA (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 95°). 

Beautiful, neat i)lants adapted only to window and conservatory 
culture in jwts, or for planting in ferneries, baskets, etc. They 
delight in light soil, consideralily enriched with leaf mould and 
manure. Are projjagated from cuttings. 

C. (7ra?id//7o7'a— Elegant, narrow, green and crimson colored foli- 
age, of changable hue. 
C. rosea — Small fine leaves, of pretty form and color. The plant 
is ])rofusely covered with small rose-colored flowers during 
a portion of the year. 

CENTURY PLANT. (See Agave). 




Flower of Cereus Grandiflorus. 

CEREUS GRANDIFLORUS— Night-Blooming Cereus (Green- 
house Perennial, 35, 50, 95°). 

The flowers of this noted Cactus, which opens only at night, 
are of large size, beautiful and sweet-.scented. They begin to 
open about sundown, and are fully expanded by eleven o'clock. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 167 

The flowei" is from seven to ten inches in diameter; the petals 
are white ; the outside of sepals a delicate brown and the inside 
a fine yellow color. Its fragrance perfumes the air to consider- 
able distance. The plant is of thrifty habit, and as easily grown 
to flower in the house or conservatory as any Cactus, requiring 
the treatment described for that family. Ai'e propagated from 
cuttings. 

NEW SEEDING CEREUS OR CACTUS. 
C Alice Wilson— This is an entirely new and beautiful striped 
flowered Cereus. The flowers are large, about eight inches 
in diameter, of a brilliant scarlet, with a stripe of bright 
orange through the center of each petal. It flowers when 
only six inches high. 
C. Dr. Regel — This is without a doubt one of the finest of the 
family. Flowers very large (sometimes measuring twenty 
inches in diameter), of the purest white. 
C Exquisite — Orange-salmon, violet tint. 

C. Hoveyi — One of the most superb sorts, the entire flower being 
of a clear pinkish-blue violet tint, and eight inches in 
diameter. It frequently comes into flower when not more 
than twelve inches in height. 
C. Orange Gem — Orange, tinted violet. 
C. Pink (^«een— Beautiful mauve pink. 
C. refulgens — Scarlet, with deep violet. 
C. superbum — Salmon, tinted magenta. 

CESTRUxM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, 90^). 
Shrubs from Brazil; cultivated for the delicate fragrance of 
their beautiful flowers, which are borne in clusters; of easy cul- 
tivation in good loam and sand; excellent for conservatories; 
propagated from cuttings; they are frequently called "Night 
Blooming Jasmine." 
C. anriantiacum—Debp orange yellow. 
C. parqui — Pure white. 

CHOROZEMA VARIA (Greenhouse Perennial, 32, 45, 80"). 

A small slu'ubby plant for pot culture, with dark green Holly- 
shaped foliage, thriving and flowering freely in any cool place in 
the winter. The flowers are yellow and crimson, of pea shape 
and attractive; one of the easiest plants to cultivate; are increased 
by cuttings. 



l68 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




I 



Laciniatuin Chrysanthemum, 

CHRYSANTHE^nJM (Hardy Perennial). 

The Chinese Clirj'santhemums are exceedingly handsome late 
flowering plants, and although about hardy in our latitude, the 
blossom buds are liable to be injured by hard fall frosts, unless 
protected. The best way to manage them is to start from cut- 
tings ; grow them in pots during the summer, or bed and take 
them up and pot them in September, in either case removing 
them to the house or conservatory, where their many gorgeous 
flowers of various colors and tints will expand in succession for 
a long time. If grown in pots these should be plunged during 



THE HOME FLORIST. 1 69 

the summer to the rim in tlie border; it is necessary to turn them 
occasionally to prevent the roots that strike through the bottom 
from growing into the garden soil. As they start in to bud treat 
them to occasional waterings of liquid manure. After flowering 
the plants should be cut down and put in a cool part of the con- 
servatory, in a cold-pit or in a light cellar until spring. They 
may be inci'eased in number either frona cuttings of young shoots 
or by division of the roots in the spring. The Chrysanthemums 
ai-e especially recommended to inexperienced cultivators, for no 
class of plants are easier to manage, and besides they produce 
their flowers late in the autumn when all kinds of flowers are 
scarce. 

JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

These are noted for their varied forms and markings, together 
with the enormous size to which some of the vaiieties attain. 
C. Abd-el-Kader — Rich crimson maroon. 
C Beau Siljaur — Violet carmine, tipped white. 
C. Bras Rouge— A charming combination of gold and maroon. 
C. Early Bed Dragon — Dark red, tipped yellow. 
C. Elaine — Pure white, back of petals tinted. 
C. Emperor Nicholas— Red, tipped gold. 
C. Fair Maid of Guernsey — Large wliite. 
C. Golden Dragon — Golden yellow. 
C. Gloire de Toulouse— Crimson and white. 
C. grandijlora Japonica — Lai'ge yellow. 
C. Hero of Magdala — Purplish red. 
C. IncomjMrable— Yellow, brown and crimson. 
C. Javena — Very dark maroon, thread-like petals, very striking. 
C. laciniafa — The white Japanese fringed flower; a very interest- 
ing and beautiful variety. 
C. La Frezure — Amaranth, reverse of petal, white. 
C. Magnum Bonum— Rosy lilac, with a lighter back; large flower. 
C. M. Plancheneau — Rosy mauve, shaded silver. 
C. M. Roux — Beautiful dark crimson, white center. 
C. Mr. W. Bull — Crimson maroon, shaded yellow. 
C. Mons. Chas. Huber — Crimson, tipped gold. 
C. Ne Plus Ultra Nova — Lilac, golden tips. 
C. Parasol— Golden buff, shaded salmon. 
C Snow White — Very large, pure white. 
C. Temple of Solomon — Rich golden yellow. 



170 THE HOME FLORIST. 

LARGE FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

C. C. H. Glover— Rich, deep j-ellow. Exquisite form, free 

bloomer. 
C. Glori Ifjnidi— Bright yellow, dwarf habit. 
C. Golden Aurora— lA^ht orange flaaie. 
C. Golden Star — Fine golden yellow. 
C. John Lester — Yellow, shaded amber. 
C John Poore — White, shaded lilac. 
C Kate Reijnolds — White, tipped yellow. 
C. La Nymph — Wliite, tipped pink. 
C. Margaret de York — Suli)hur yellow, fine. 
C. Mrs. Geo. Glenny — Bright amber. 
C. Mrs. Stevens — Pure white, finely formed. 
C. Mrs. George Rundle — Fine white. 
C Princess Teck — Pure white, large and full. 
C. Polycarp— hight rosy pmk. 
C. Prince of Anemones— 'Lilac blush. 
C. Peter the Great — Light, bright yellow. 
C. Refulgence— Rich purple maroon. 
C. Red Gauntlet — Fine dark red. 
C. Seasti'is - Brownish red, with jellow shading. 
C. Webb's Queen — Perfect shape, broad petals, pure ivory white. 

POMPONE OR SMALL FLOWERING CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

C. alha ])erfecta — Pure white, bushy habit. 

C. Brilliant — Bright red. 

C. Boule de Neige — White, imbricated. 

C. Boh — Dark brown crimson; fine color; a great favorite. 

C. Bou(iuet Blanche— Fure white, intermediate late. 

C. Cite of Flowers— Yelvety crimson, sliaded amaranth. 

C. Commodore Nut t — Size of silver half dime; rich, old gold color. 

C. Crimson Perfection — Briglit crimson. 

C. D((isy — Very small, pure white. 

C. Figaro — Rich buff, crimson edge. 

C. La Fahree — Straw yellow, fine. 

C. Mrs. Campbell — Carmine, tipped with white. 

C. Mdme Arisfee—doWen yellow. 

('. Montgolfier— Rich gold, maroon tipi)ed. 

C. Model of Perfection— Rich lilac and yellow. 

C. Mayer Lus^•— Purplisli red, fine. 



THE HOME FLORIST. I /I 

C. Pei'le des Beautes — Crimson amaranth, pointed with seal brown. 

C. Petite Marie — Creamy white, dwarf. 

C. Robert Kift- Pure white, fine. 

C. sanguineum — Blood red. 

C. Serenity — White, tinged with rosy lavender. 

C (Sjiorrdrop— Sparking white, extra fine. 

C. Sunray — Deep golden yellow. 

C. White Eve — Pure white. 

CIGAR PLANT. See Cuphea Platycentra. 

CINERARIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 75°). 

In late winter and early spring, few pot plants present a more 
attractive appearance than do the Cinerarias when at the height 
of their beauty, bearing immense crops of bright, handsome flow- 
ers, in clusters, boldly above the large leaves. They are capital 
plants for winter culture in a cool greenhouse, or with great care 
in a windoAv, and are raised from seeds sown annually at any 
time from July to September. The culture suited to the Herbac- 
eous Calceolaria (which see) will answer fully for the Cineraria, 
and any person may expect to be successful with their culture in 
the conservatory, also in the window, if a cool and regular atmos- 
phere can be sustained with the admission of plenty of air. They 
should be kept near the light and must never be crowded as 
regards root space in the pots. 

CISSUS DISCOLOR {Greenhouse Perennial, 45, 65, 90"). 

A climber, the leaves of which are beautifully shaded with 
dark green, purple and white, the upper surface having a rich, 
velvet-like appearance. The plant requires a continually high 
temperature to develop the beautiful coloring of leaves, and there 
will be little use of attempting its culture unless this can be pro- 
vided; but with this and other favorable conditions supplied and 
no plant in cultivation can exceed its rare beauty in the matter 
of foliage ; propagated from cuttings. 

CLARKIA {Hardy Annual). 

Plants of considerable beauty for the garden and easily raised 
from seed. The seed should be sown directly where the plants 
are to flower, either early in the spring or in August and Septem- 
ber. The latter time of sowing is pei'haps the best, by protecting 
the young seedlings, with a slight covering of straw or litter 



172 THE HOME FLORIST. 

(luring the winter and which must be removed early the follow- 
ing spring. The flowers in double and single varieties are attrac- 
tive in form and color. Tliey attain to tlie greatest perfection in 
tlie spring and autumn, as the hot sun of summer interferes 
somewhat with their development. 

CLEMATIS {Hardy Climber). 

Recently, the improvements made both in the size and coloring 
of the Clematis have been very decided and marked, and we liave 
now a wide range of color, varying from white to dark blue and 
velvety purple. They are perfectly hardy, of rapid growth, 
attaining a height of twenty feet, and blooming during the 
greater part of the summer and fall. The effect produced by a 
well-grown plant when in full bloom, is grand; propagated from 
cuttings, layering and root grafting. 

C. Blue Gem — A inost profuse liloomer. continuing in full beauty 
late into the autumn; flowers large, a most intense rich 
blue. 
C. Jean (VArc — Flowers white, large and perfect, with three pale 
blue stripes on each sepal. The plant is of vigorous habit, 
elegant in appearance. 
C, Jaekmanii — Flowers, when fully expanded, are from four to six 
inches in diameter, intense violet purple, with a ric-h vel- 
vety appearance, distinctly veined; perfectly hardy. Flow- 
ers continually from July until cut olf by frosts. 
C. Lady Caroline Neville — Fine flowers, from six to seven inches 
in diameter; color delicate blush white, with a broad pur- 
plisli lilac band in the center of eacli sepal. 
C. Lucie Lemoine — Fine, double white; the flowers are composed 
of seventy-five to ninety sepals. In the first period of its 
flowering the blooms are semi-circular in shape, resemb- 
ling a gigantic double white Ziimia. 
C. Miss Bateman — A magnifici-nt i)lant. both in growth and 
flower. The blooms are large, of good shape. i)ure white; 
banded with creamy white down the center of each sepal. 
C. rubella — Flowers of a rich velvety claret, tlie deepest color of 

any Clematis; generally has six sepals to each flower. 
C, Standishii — Flowers large, violet blue; May and June. 
C. Mme. Grange — Flowers large. ])urple violet, with maroon 
midrib; redder than any other Clematis. 



THE HOME FLORIST. I73 

C. viticella rubra grandiflora — A vigorous free growing variety. 

Flowers profusely; color, violet red. 
C. grandiflora — Single white. 
C. lanuginosa pallida— Fsde violet, with bright red veinings. 

Very beautiful. 
C. lanuginosa Candida — Grayish white; very fine. 
C. The Queen — Of free habit and very beautiful foliage. Flowers 

of pale lavender. 
C. Mrs. Baker — French white, with claret bar. 
C. il/ode.sf a— Delicate lavender; vei'y pretty. 
C. blanc lilas — "White and lilac in color; very large. 
C. F7-aneofurtensis— Wine red, with violet shading. 
C. lanuginosa azurea — Bright azure blue. 
C. flammula, European Sweet — Flowers white, small and very 

sweet scented. 
C. virginiana — Common Virgin's Bower, a native plant of rapid 

growth, with clusters of small, white flowers, succeeded in 

autumn by fruit with conspicuous feathery tails. 
O. coccinea — Fine rosy scarlet; one of the most beautiful of all 

trailing plants. Its foliage is exceedingly pretty and its 

flowers graceful and charming. It will delight all. 

CLERODENDRON {Greenhouse Perennial, 85, 55, 90°). 

Tropical shrubs, with loose terminal panicles of showy bloom. 

They should be potted in a mixture of peat, loam and manure, 

with a little sand. When growing, give strong heat and plenty 

of water; propagated from cuttings. 

C. Balfouri— The flowers are of a bright scarlet, encased in a 
bag-like calyx of pure white. 

C. speciosum — This variety is dwarfer than the preceding and 
very free flowering ; the flowers are pure white, encased in 
a bag- like cal/x of bright scarlet. 

C/ra(/«Jis— Dwarf plant producing very compact heads of pink- 
ish-white double flowers of a highly agreeable scent such 
as is preferred by many to that of either Daphne, Tuberose 
or the Clove Carnation. This variety can also be increased 
from root cuttings. 

COBCEA SCANDENS {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 85°.) 

An excellent climbing plant grown from seed or increased by 
cuttings, and which is, perhaps, more generally useful than any 



174 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



other one grown, being alike suitable for the conservatory, the 
window or the open air in summer. The plants produce many 
largo, bell-shaped flowers and magnificent foliage wlien grown in 
the open ground, but are rather shy in the former respect in the 
winter when cultivated in pots, although their growth is satis- 
factory, and tlie foliage endures the confined heat of the dwelling 
admirably. When planted in a border, either in the conservatory 
or in a sheltered place out doors, the growth of well established 
plants attain to great proportions, having been known to reach 
an aggregate length of two hundi'ed feet in one season. The 
seeds requii'e starting in heat and should be set edgewise in the 
soil of the seed bed. Until the young plants appear, water rather 
lightly, but never allow the soil to get entirely dry. The Coboea 
delights in a warm, sandy soil. 

COCCOLOBA PLATYCLADA (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, S^"). 

A singular looking pot or bedding plant of fern-like, angular 
growth. It is readily grown, under almost anj' circumstances, 
and is suitable for cultivating in ferneries, while it is not out of 
place in a hanging basket. On account of its gi'otes.iue appear- 
ance, it will be admired where many flowering plants would 
scarcely attract attention. Propagates from cuttings. 

COCKSCOMB. (See Celosia.) 

COLEUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 60, 90"). 

Tliis popular genus of comparatively recent introduction, pos- 
sesses the most varied and striking colors imaginable in the foli- 
age, while unlike miny other plants with remarkable foliage 
these may be propagated and grown with the greatest ease. 
There is one, and about only one special condition, that is abso- 
lutely essential to its well doing, and that is a high temperature. 
Where this is present, the plants will grow with the greatest 
freedom, either in the open air, the window or conservatory, and 
form strong plants of remarkable beauty in a very short sjjace of 
time. It is on account of their rapid growth, and great beaut\ , 
that such vigorous varieties as VerscliafTeliii. Setting Sun and 
others, rank among the best plants for masses in ribbon lines, 
even though naturally tender. In our dwellings that are heated 
by anthracite coal stoves or ranges, and in whicli the fire is kept 
up day and night, the Coleus if grown in pots or l)askets will 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



175 




Coleus. 



usually do very well. Some plants may be raised for winter 
decoration by striking cuttings in July or August for the pur- 
pose. Plant into light, rich soil and water moderately during 
winter, also paying attention to heading back strong growing 
shoots, to prevent an unshapely appearance. Propagated from 
cuttings or seed. 
C. Acme — Foliage large, under good cultivation 10 to 12 inches long 

and 8 to 10 wide; gi'ound color deep chocolate and ci*eamy 

white, beautifully veined and striped. 
C. Fairy Knoll - Carmine rose, rimmed with velvety maroon. 
C. Garland — New, elegantly colored with purple, cream, gi-een 

and carmine, deejjly serrated edges, forming miniature 

leaflets of great beauty. 



1-6 THE HOME FLORIST. 

C. Glory of Autumn— Dee]^ crimson bronze, margined gold. 

C. Golden Bedder—A grand acquisition for bedding ; bright yel- 
low ; recommended. 

C. Hero — Chocolate maroon ; fine bedder. 

C. Innisfallen—A grand bedding variety ; rich prune color, 
blotched with garnet ; extra fine. 

C. J. Burnsham (New)— Yellow and crimson ; spotted. 

C. Joseph's Coat— The leaves present a gorgeous blending of 
maroon, yellow, rose, olive and carmine. 

C. Kentish Fire — Pink, carmine and bronze. 

C. Kirk .-iZ/ofra^/— Blazing shades of color ; violet, suffused car- 
mine and rose. 

C. Kirkpatrick—harge leaf, blotched in the centre like Geranium 
Happy Thought. 

C. Mr. Micawher — Olive green, distinctly marked in the centre 
with violet rose ; beautiful. 

C Mrs. Humphreys — Light claret, rimmed yellow. 

C. midticolor—^la.voon and crimson. 

C. Pieta — Marbled yellow, maroon and crimson. 

C. President Garfield — A grand variety ; leaves eight to ten inches 
long, six to eiglit wide, color cliocolate, marbled withbi-iglit 
rosy carmine. 

( '. Queen of the Lawn — Dazzling carmine, rimmed with velvet}' 
maroon. 

C. Rocket— Y\o\et, rose centre, black next and olive green serrated 
edge. 

('. i?;;%— Rich crimson maroon , centre dark rose color, beauti- 
fully fringed edges ; a suberb variety. 

('. Sensation — A new and beautiful sort ; edge of leaf chocolate, 
then a circle of maroon, with large centre of bright red. 

('. Setting Sun — Bronze, crimson centre, briglit golden margin: 
splendid bedding variety. 

C. Spotted Gem — Yellow grvuind, regularly blotched crimson, 
green and orange. 

C. Suez -Blood red, shaded and veined violet, rose and bronze. 

C. Verschaffeltii — Rich velvet crimson ; best bedder. 

COLUMBINE. (See Aquilegia.) 



THE HOME FLORIST. 177 



CONVOLVULUS {Hardy Annual). 

Convolvulus Major (Morning Glory).— One of the best-known 
climbing plants in cultivation and most excellent for covering 
trellises, rustic work, cords for shading the veranda, etc., during 
the summer. There are many varieties of different colors, all of 
w^hich are more or less attractive. It comes very easily from the 
seed, which should be sown in the open ground early in the spring. 
As soon as the young plants stretch forth for support on which to 
spin, it should be seen that something suitable is provided, as they 
do not take hold so readily after getting older, besides they be- 
come entangled with each other. 

Convolvulus Minor (Dwarf Convolvulus). — Free flowering an- 
nuals of distinct and rich colors, that are desirable for massing or 
for individual effect. The seeds germinate readily, and may be 
sown where they are to flower. Thin out the plants to stand not 
nearer than fifteen inches apart in rich soil. 



CORONILLA {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 50, 90°). 

Pretty flowering shrubs of easy culture, especially adapted for 
winter blooming; the species have been long under cultivation 
and is nauch esteemed; propagated from cuttings or seed. 

C glauca — Splendid fine foliage, and produces bright yellow, pea- 
shaped flowers in great profusion, which are very fragrant. 

CRAPE MYRTLE. (See Lagerstroemia.) 

CRASSULA {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 80"). 

Succulent greenhouse plants with fleshy stems and leaves, and 
producing either pink or white flowers. Many of them form 
curious specimens on account of their forms. For potting use 
light sandy loam with plenty of drainage; propagated from cut- 
tings and seeds. 

C. cordata— Of strong growth, with a profusion of pinkish white 

flowers. 
C. portulacca Of strong growth, with thick leaves; flowers white. 



1/8 



THE HOME FLORIST, 




( 'jdssuld. 

C. perfoUata — A dwarf plant, forming a perfect rosette; blooms 
about Cbristmas, at which time it throws up long stems, 
surmounted by large clusters of small, white, star-shaped 
flowers. 

CROCUS (Hard)j Bulb). 

Tlie Crocus is an interesting class of bulbous plants, and which 
produces its flowers in the open air from the month of Marcli and 
up to the flowering of Hyacintlis. Being thus very early, and 
also very showy when in bloom, they should have a place in every 
garden. The flowers are white, blue, yellow and striped, and 
present a gay appearance, as they appear with few comiianions 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



179 




Crocus. 



Crotons. 



at their early season of flowering. The bulbs require to be 
planted in the fall, and should be set about three inches apart and 
not more than two inches deep. Their culture, in common with 
other hardy bulbs, is treated on on page 32. The Crocus will also 
flower well in the house. Directions for cultivation in pots, 
glasses, etc., is given on page 52. 

CROTONS {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 60, 90°). 

The Crotons are among the finest decorative foliage plants 
known. The leaves of all are more or less veined and margined, 
sometimes entirely variegated with shades of yellow, orange and 
crimson. Some have long narrow leaves, arching gracefully, 
fountain-fashion. Others broad and short, oak-leaved; some re. 
curved very much; others twisted, cork-screw like. Crotons love 
heat, sunshine and moisture; propagated from cuttings. 
C. andrianum — Neat habit; free growth; foliage colored in a 

most delightful manner; one of the best. 
C angustifolium — Leaves loug and narrow, golden yellow. 
C. acubifniiuin — Foliage dark glossy green, studded with yellow 

blotches, midrib and veins slightly tinged with pink. 
C. au7^ea maculat us— Small lenved; neat habit; leaves ovate, ob- 
long, deep bright green, profusely spotted with yellow. 



l8o THE HOME FLORIST. 



C. Bisviark— Leaves almost fiddle-sliaped; base broadest and 
ovate, the apex swelling out into an ovate form; color ileep 
green, with broad band of golden yellow along the costa. 
and yellow markings indicating the course of the lateral 
vems, with yellow blotches scattered over the surface. 

C. Camj)f()2)Ji!jn MS— Foliage very narrow and richly mottled with 
golden yellow; a fine dwarf growing variety, distinct from 
all otJiers. 

C. ca.scariV/o— Narrow leaved, hght green, yellow blotched. 

C. cornutum— Green, with a profusion of spots of rich yellow. 

C. Disraeli— A lobed variety, with golden yellow ribs and spots. 

C. Earl of Derby— A remarkable trilobe variety, the stems and 
mid-rib being a very bright yellow, which diffuses itself 
over a greater part of the leaf; this, as the plant matures, 
becomes a bright red. 

C. elegans— Bright green, striped with golden yellow. 

C. Eva)^ciamts—^Ye]l distinguished by the peculiar form of its 
triobated leaves and the depth of coloring pervading the 
whole plant; newest-formed leaves are light olive green and 
golden yellow, deepening and changing to bronzy crimson 
and orange scarlet in the older ones. 

C. hilliamun — Ribs and veins crimson, dark purple beneath. 

G. Imperator, or Challenger — Leaves from 12 to 18 inches long. 2 
to 3 inches wide, and gracefully arciiing; ground color pale 
green, much suffused with creamy white, changing to ma- 
genta. 

C. interruptum — Long naiTow leaves, spotted with yellow. 

C. irregulare — Leaves long, marbled with different shades of yel- 
low, orange and crimson; leaves are irregular in sliape, 
often changing in form. 

C. Johannes — Leaves a foot or more long, narrow and jjendulous; 
ground color, bright shining green; margin and niiil-rib 
bright orange jellow. 

C. /onyj/oZ/um— Leaves green, blotched and striped witli golden 
yellow; very long and graceful; a inagnilicent jylant. 

('. Lord Cairns — Leaves trilobate, the middle lobe considerably 
elongated, with a broader expansion toward the point; 
ground color bright green; mid-ribs bright yellow, and 
blotches of same color. 

(\ maJimnin — Leaves shining green; mid-riband cross-base, from 
mid-rib to margin, yellow; leaves ovate-acuminate. 



THE HOME FLORIST. l8l 



C. inaculatus Katonii — Leaves fiddle-shaped, but very irregular, 
of an olive-green color, sijotted with rather large golden 
spots ; comi^act in habit. 

C. majesticum — Mottled and margined v\ath crimson and yellow. 

C Moreanus — Mid-rib and margins of leaf clear orange, blade 
crossed with paralleled bands of the same color upon a deep 
green ground; robust grower. 

C. midticoIor—'Lea.ves light green, blotched with yellow, but 
changing to glossy green, blotched with yellow, reddish 
yellow and red, the mid-rib crimson. 

C. Nobilis — Long, pendulous leaves, richly colored with crimson, 
yellow and green, the former being most prominent in the 
stem leaves, stalks and mid-rib, where it is banded with 
yellow. 

C. oraZtYoZaftti— Oval outline,central golden bar and reticulations. 

C. Princess of TFaZes— The handsomest of all the narrow-leaved 
types; fine branching habit; leaves pendulous, arching and 
slightly twisted; margins undulating; colors are i^ale yel- 
low, bright carmine, bright magenta and irregular blotches 
of light green. 

C. pictimi — Dark green foliage, spotted with rich reddish crimson. 

C. Queen Ftc^oria— Growth medium ; habit branching ; leaves 
oblong ; lanceolate ; colors golden yellow, rich magenta, 
crimson-carmine and green. 

C. sjj/roZe— Curious spiral twisting leaves, with markings of yel- 
low. 

C. nndulatuvi — Edges of leaves undulating, marked and blotched, 
crimson and yellow, on dark green ground. 

C. variegatum — Veins broadly margined with golden yellow. 

C. Veitchii — Leaves attain a length of twelve to fourteen inches, 
and two and a half inches broad; they are traversed with 
broad bands of creamy yellow, changing to rose and car- 
mine purple. 

C. volutinn — Leaves rolled up from the end like a ram's horn; 
ground color deep green; mid-rib golden and rays of same 
color towards the margin. 

C Wetsmanii — Leaves often twelve inches long and three-quarters 
of an inch wide; ground color shining white green, striped 
and mottled with golden yellow. 



l82 THK HOME TLORIST. 

C. I^OMU^ii - Leaves from one and a half to two feet in length; 
deep red underneath, upper surface dark green, densely 
blotfhed with creamy yellow and bright rosy red. 

CROWN IMPERIAL {Hardy Bulb). 

An old-fashioned, early spring-flowering bulb, bearing on a 
stem, sevei'ai .''eet higli, drooping bell-shaped flowers, which, in 
their arrangement around the stalk, may be fancied to resemble 
a crown. There are both double and single varieties, the colors 
of which ai'e principally yellow and red. They delight in a deej) 
rich bed, and should not have their bulbs lifted for re-setting 
oftener than every third year. 

CUPHEA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80°). 

Pretty shrub-like plants adapted to a variety of purposes; they 
are almost constantly in bloom under fair circumstances. The 
plants thrive beautifully in hanging baskets or vases, or if planted 
out in the border where they will, during the season, assume a 
dense globular form and constantly produce an abundance of 
flowers. They are also valuable as pot plants for the window, 
where their free-flowering, and other qualities make them great 
favorites; propagated from cuttings. 
C. platijcenira {Cigar Plant)— Tube of flowers scarlet; hp white 

and crimson. 
C. Iv/ssopifolia—'Lviixes dark glossy green, flowers bright lilac. 
C. hilljildiana— Tube of flowers purple; lip and tlnoat darker. 

CYCLAMEN PERSICUM {Greenhouse Bulb, 35, 55, 75"). 

Beautiful plants for the window or conservatory, with finely 
marked foliage, and which produce from autumn until spring a 
pro "usion of drooping flowers of the most pleasing appearance, on 
long stems. The soil in which they are grown needs to be v'wh and 
of a light nature. After the p'.aiits have done flowering they may 
be plunged in the open ground for the summer and receive a shift 
into larger pots for another season's growth, in August or Sep- 
tember. The i)lants are raised from seed, which m;iy be sown at 
any time from early spring until mid-summer, for flowering the 
next year. 



THE HOME Fr.ORIST 



183 




Cyclamen Persieum. 
C. persieum gigmiteum— This is a decided improvement over the 
preceding variety, being of a more robust habit and 
stronger grower; produces its flowers on stout stems some- 
what shorter than in old variety, and of immense size, often 
measuring on well grown bulbs, two inches in diameter. 

CYPERUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). 

A grass-like plant, throwing up stems to the height of about 
two feet, surmounted at the top by a cluster or whorl of leaves, 
diverging horizontally, giving the plant a very curious appear- 
ance. A splendid plant for the center of baskets, vases, or ward- 
ian cases, or as a water-plant. 
C. alteniifolius— An attractive rush-like plant, of a pleasing 

bright green color. 
C. alternifolius variegatus - A beautiful form, striped with white. 

: CYPRESS VINE. See Ipomoea. 



1 84 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



CYTISUS RACEMOSUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 80"). 

Cytisus Raceiuosus is a winter flowering pot plant, suitable for 
the window or conservatory, and which assumes an irregular 
bushy form of growtli, which is very attractive. The flowers are 
small, fragrant and of a pleasing, deep golden yellow, borne on 
racemes, and for a long time, give the plant a beautiful appear- 
ance. It is rather difficult to propagate, this being done from 
cuttings. 

DAFFODIL. See Narcissus. 




Da'idid. 

DAHLIA {Tender Tuher). 

Well known tuberous ])lants, only suitable for open-air culture, 
whicli produce flowers of the most sj'mmetrical form, and of bril- 
liant and good colors, during the sinnnier and autumn months. 
The plants luxuriate in a moist, rich soil. In dry weather the 
flowers will l)e finer, and the plants grow better, by receiving a 
thorough watering occasionally of an evening. Nothing gives 
thrifty Dahlias a better appearance than to keep them neatly tied 
to strong stakes about four feet long, driven by eacli jilant. All 
flowery should be removed as soon as they begin to decay, and 



THE HOME FLORIST. 185 



imperfect buds be cut off. The tubers should be lifted after frosts 
have killed the stalk, usually in October in our latitude. They 
should then be properly labeled, and after drying, either in the 
sun or in an open shed, be packed in sand and kept in a dry, 
warm cellar during winter or under the benches in the conserva- 
tory. In the following spring they may be divided into pieces, 
each with a crown, and planted in the flower beds again. Their 
flowering season is considerably advanced by starting them in 
heat in April and keeping them there up to near the first of June, 
before planting them out; are also readily propagated by cuttings. 

DAHLIAS— Large Flowering.- 

D. Amazon— YeWow , margin fringed red. 

D. Aglea — White, tipped rose. 

D. Chief — White, edged dark crimson. 

D. Dom Pedro — Scarlet, tipped white. 

D. Duchesse de Cambridge — Blush, tipped and edged with dark 

purple; fine form. 
D. Dr. J. P. Kirtland — Dark red, very large, good form. 
D. Frank Smith — Bright red. 

D. Forget-Me-Not — Crimson, largely tipped white. 
D. Golden Bedder — Fine yellow. 
D. Hoofmeister — Yellow, tipped red. 
D. Helen Potter — Blush white. 
D. Hercides — Yellow ground, striped and speckled with rich 

crimson. 
D. incarnata rosea— White, shaded with bright rose. 
D. John Bennett — Yellow, deeply edged scarlet. 
D. John Sladden — Nearly black; fine form. 
D. Kleiner Knab'i — White, tinged and tipped with rosy purple. 
D. La Phare — Deep scarlet; free bloomer. 
D. L'Emancipe — Orange and violet. 
D. Madam Perignon— Rose and salmon, tipped white. 
D. Mrs. Wheeler — Rich, deep scarlet; solid, fine flower. 
D. Mary Eustace— V^hite, with flesh- colored center. 
D. Mrs. Dodd — Lemon yellow; fine form. 
D. Niger — Dark maroon; fine form. 
D. Oblata — Pure white. 
D. Princesse — White, large, full. 
D. Queen Victoria — Yellow, red margin. 
p. Heine de Prusse — Dark cherry, largely tipped with white. 



1 86 THE HOME FLORIST. 

D. Royal Purple — Very free. 

D. Sambo — Rich maroon, tinted black; 

D. Summit of Crupton — Dark maroon. 

D. Tarn O' Shanter—B\n9\\ lilac. 

D. Yellow 5o?/- Bright golden yellow. 

DAHLIAS— PoMPONE OR Bouquet. 

Tliis class includes all the colors of the larger flowering sorts. 
Being more dwarf and compact in habit of growth, they are very 
valuable for bedding purposes and cut flowers. 
D. Dr. Webb — Rich, scarlet, small. 
D. Exquisite — Orange, scarlet edge. 
D. Oluwurmchen — Brilliant scarlet. 
D. Goldfinch — Yellow, scarlet antl white. 
D. Guiding Star — Pure white; finil)riate(l. 
D. Harry — Dark red, spotted and tipped white. 
D. Kleiner Schutze — Deep scarlet, distinctly tipped white. 
D. Ladies' Jewel — White, with crimson tip. 
D. Seraph — Buff yellow, tipped orange red. 
D. Scarlet Gem — Bright scarlet. 

DAHLIAS— Single. 

This new section of the Dahlia family has now become exceed- 
ingl}' fashionable, owing to the value attached to the cut blooms, 
their airy, butterfly-like forms giving the flower a grace never 
attained by the finest double sorts. Tlie flowers range from three 
to five inches in diameter, all having a bright yellow center sur- 
rounded with petals running through all the shades of scarlet, 
crimson, rose, yellow, orange, white, lilac, carmine, etc. 
D. Buttcrfiy—A beautiful shade of pink. 
D. Ballot — Deep carmine; large and showy. 
D. Moonstone— "Large, light canary yellow. 
D. Sandnsky — Orange; immense size; very distinct disc. 
D. Chancellor — Delicate lilac; large size, free blooming. 
D. Crichton — Maroon, of a rich velvety shade. 
D. White Queen — Pure white, lily-like flower, with j'ellow disc. 
D. Corsage — Intense bright scarlet; very fine. 
D. Vicarage — Bright vermilion; large. 

DAHLIAS -Cactus. 
This new class of Dahlias has opened up an entirely difl"erent 
section. They are intermediate between the double and single 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



187 



varieties, of peculiar and very pleasing form, resembling some- 
what some of the Japanese Chrysanthemums, and Ave have no 
doubt there will soon be as many colors as there are now in the 
other classes. 

D. Imperial Prince — A variety with plaited flat petals about half 
an inch wide, somewhat twisted; color rich deep Tj^rian 
purple; dwarf and early flowering. 
Z). t7?(are2;i('— A most valuable and very decorative plant for all 
purposes through the late summer and autumn months; its 
blossoms are of a rich crimson, and very much resemble in 
shape and color the well-known Cactus, Cereus Speciosissi- 
mus; height about 3 feet, very bushy; flowers of very strik- 
ing appearance, and quite vinlike those of an ordinary dou- 
ble Dahlia, the florets being flat and not cupped. 
D. Lyndlmrst — The same style of flower as the preceding variety, 
excepting that the color is of the brightest scarlet. It com- 
mences to flower about two weeks earlier. 




Daisy. 

DAISY — Bellis Perennis {Hardy Perennial). 

A pretty little plant for the garden, which, in the better sorts, 

bear a profusion of perfectly double flowers, of red, white and 

variegated colors, throughout all but the hottest portioii of the 

season. The plants are propagated by division and also from the 



1 88 THE HOME FLORIST. 



seed, but are not veiy satisfactory if reared from the latter, as a 
large proportion always will come single or only semi-double 
from the best of seed. Set tlie plants about six inches apart, and 
protect slightly in winter. A few may be potted in tlie fall to 
flower in a cool place in the window or conservatory during the 
winter. 

DAPHNE (Greenhouse and Hardy Perenniah). 

An extensive genus of small shrubs (mostly evergreen), with 
very beautiful, fragrant flowers; grcnv in good, turfy loam, with 
a little sand and manure. Drain the i)ots well. The following 
variety is much prized : 

Z). Indica (33, 45, 8")") — An old greenhouse plant, always scarce. 
It is evergreen, growing three feet high, bearing clusters of 
small, pinkish-white flowers, exquisitely fragrant; it prop- 
agates from cuttings. 

There is also a variety (Z). cneoi urn) which is a hardy trailing 
evergreen shrub, growing about a foot high, which produces 
beautiful pink or crimson, deliciously sweet-scented flowers in 
terminal clusters, in April and May; it is propagated by layers. 

DELPHINIUM— Larkspur (Hardy Annuals and Perennials). 

Annual Delphiniums — A class of annuals possessing bright 
colors and free flowering qualities to an extent that render them 
worthy of culture in every considerable collection. The dwarf 
varieties are regarded as the most beautiful, attaining as they do 
a height of one foot, and throwing u]) a flower shoot that some- 
what resembles a Hyacinth. These should stand at a distance of 
six inches from each other, and the tall varieties a foot and a half 
apart. Sow where they are to bloom. 

Delphinium Formosum is one of the most desirable hardy per- 
ennials in cultivation. It blooms more or less freely from July 
until November, yielding exceedingly attractive flowers. Tlie 
flowers are large, of a dark blue, with the centre white, shaded 
with reddish purple and proihiced in s|)ikes. There are a number 
of other varieties similar to this one excepting in the colors. When 
the plants of th(> hardy kinds become large they should be divided 
and reset; they c;in also be grown true from seed, whii-h should 
be sown in the spring, and will flower the next summer. 




THE HOME FLORIST. 1 89 

DEUTZIA. {Hardy Shrub.) 

Although a family of hardy 
shrubs, and one of the best for 
permanent planting, the varieties 
Deutzia gracilis, pure wliite, 
and Deutzia crenata, fl. pi., dou- 
ble, pure white, serve admirably 
for pot culture and forcing in the 
window or conservatory. The 
plants should be grown in the 
open ground, and after the 
leaves have fallen in autumn, be 
brought into the cold-pit or cel- 
lar, until New Year's, after 
wliich time they may be moved 
to the window or conservatory 
for flowering. With bearing a 
profusion of pretty flowers in 
due time nothing can be hand- 
somer. Propagated from cut- 
tings. 



Deutzia . 

DIANTHUS {Hardy Perennial). 
This is an extensive genus of desirable flowering plants, which 
embrace numerous important kinds, the Carnation, Garden Pink, 
Sweet William, etc. , being of the number. I shall here treat of 
those that are generally raised from seed, the other will be found 
under their respective heads. The species known as D. Chinensis, 
embracing the old Chinese pink, which has been very nuich im- 
proved of late years,and the new and su^jerb varieties from Japan, 
known as D. Heddeungii and D. lacinatus, with the new varieties 
that have sprung from them by hybridization, are among the 
most brilliant and useful of garden flowers. They are easily 
grown from seed in any good soil, and flower freely throughout 
the season, even up to winter. This they will do for several 
years, provided they are in suitable condition for surviving the 
winter. For keeping over it is better to secvire strong, stocky 
plants by pruning them back somewhat at times, even at the loss 
of some bloom, for then they will not only winter better, but will 
produce larger and finer flowers the second season. The seed may 



190 THE HOME FLORIS'l. 

be sown in heat and the young plants transplanted to the garden, 
if large plants are desired the first year, or by sowing in the gar- 
den at any time from late spring until September, excellent 
])lants may be had for flowering the following year. The plants 
sliould be set at a distance of from six to twelve inche3 apart. 

DiANTHUS Barbatl's (Swcet William), useful garden perennials, 
with double and single flowers of various colors. They have long 
been in cultivation, but great improvements have been made in 
the quality of the flowers, as well as in the list of desirable varie- 
ties. Easily raised from seed, or fine varieties may be perpetuated 
by dividing the roots after they have flowered. 

DICENTRA SPECTABILIS— Love Lies Bleeding {Hardy 
Herbaceous Perennial). 
One of our most ornamental, spring-flowering hard\- plants, 
and also excellent for forcing in the window or conservatory. 
The flowers, which appear in racemes, on long, drooping stems, 
are of a bright, rosy pink, with a pearly white corolla. As they 
are produced by liundreds 0:1 large plants in the open air, they 
serve to render the plant for tlie time one of the most attractive 
objects the garden can possess. For winter flowering the plants 
should be taken up in October, be jjotted, and placed in a cold- 
pit or some place where they may be got at in the winter. Any 
time after cold weather sets in (the plants should go through at 
least one freeze), they may be brought indoors, and will flower in 
about two months afterwards. Increased by division of the roots. 

DIEFFENBACHIA {Greenhouse Perennials, 45, 60, 95"). 
A genus of greenhouse plants grown for their strikingly showy 
foliage. Use peat and loam in etpial parts, with a little sand. 
Give them a strong heat, and water as well as syringe freiiuently. 
Propagated by division and by cuttings. 
D. Bausii—'Sew and rare, charmingly tinted. 
D. Brasiliensis—'EWgantly mottled with white. 
D. »o6?7i.s— Deep rich green, marked with irregular large white 

spots. 
D. nova sy>.— A species, with leaves long, narrow, light green. 
D. picta — A handsome plant, striped and spotted witli wliite. 

DIGITALIS— Fox Glove {Hardy Biennial). 
A well-known hard}- border plant, flowering in June and July, 
possessing great beauty. The flowers in the different varietiesare 



THE HOME FLORIST. I91 

purple, crimson, white and spotted, as to color; have a thirable- 
like shape, and are produced in dense spikes. The plants may be 
propagated by sowing the seed in the spring or up to the middle 
of August, and then they fiowex*- the second year, or the roots 
may be divided and reset annually. 

DRAGON A (Greenliouse Perennial, 35, 65, 95'). 

Tropical plants of rare beauty, only suited to pot or Fernery 
culture in the window or conservatory, but may be introduced 
outdoors in pots, vases and hanging baskets for summer decora- 
tion with good effect. The beauty of the plant lies in the leaves, 
which in color vary from different shades of green to bright crim- 
son and pink, striped, and as regai-ds shape, are long, narrow and 
straight, somewhat resembling those of Indian Corn excepting 
that sometimes they are shorter. They succeed best in a soil 
consisting of one-third part leaf mould, also containing some 
sand, and then kept pretty moist. 

D. draco — Stiff, sword like, green leaves; propagated from seed. 

D. indivisa — Is of graceful habit and rapid growth; long, narrow 
leaves of green and bronze; useful as a decorative plant for 
vase or on the lawn; propagated by seed. 

D. terminalis—Rich. crimson foliage marked with pink and 
white; this vari^'ty is extensively grown for baskets, win- 
dow gardens or the conservatory, the vivid cjoloring of its 
leaves rendering it at all times attractive ; propagated from 
the root or from the stem. 

ECHEVERIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). 

A remarkable class of plants, with thick succulent leaves of 
grotesque appearance, and suitable for pot culture in the window 
or conservatory, and also for bedding, some of the varieties be- 
ing extensively used for carpet beds, also for i-ibbon lines and let- 
ters in bedding, for which purpose they are admirably adapted. 
They are prized chiefly for their odd, yet delicate appearance ; few 
would consider them possessed of any greater beauty than is 
found in plants of the Cactus famil3^ They are of the easiest 
culture, and while delighting in moisture generally, should he 
kept quite dry during the winter; propagated from leaves or cut- 
tings. 



192 THE HOME FLORIST. 



E. secunda — This variety forms a neat roseate tuft of green 
loaves, and produces freely for several months in succession, 
bright scarlet flowers with yellow centres. 

E. seciinda ghtuca — Similar to the above, with beautiful glaucous 
green leaves. 

E. metallica glauca — A variety with larger leaves than the pre- 
ceding; flowers yellow and red. 

ERANTHEMUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 45, 60, 95'). 

A large genus of greenhouse plants, valuable for their hand- 
some foliage or for winter flowers. Pot in peat and loam in equal 
parts and add a little sand. Keep up a good heat and naoisture; 
propagated from cuttings. 

E. Andersonii — This charming plant is a native of India, and is 
not surpassed by any other plant in the beauty of its 
flowers, resembling some of the handsome Orchids ; the 
spiiies of flowers are borne on quite small plants, the two 
upper and lateral lobes are pure white, while the Orchid- 
like lip or lower segment is thickly dotted with crimson. 
E. atropurpureum -Large dark-puii^lish shining foliage; very fine. 
E. Eldorado — Another good variety for bedding ; foliage green ; 

mottled golden yellow. 
E. laxijloriun — Foliage green, flowers purplish-violet, very profuse. 
E. marmoratum — Surface of the leaf splashed with grayish-green 

and creamy white. 
E. pictuni — Foliage prettily streaked with white. 
E. pulchellnm — Dark green, wrinkled leaves and bright blue 

flowers. 
E. sangninea — A rather scarce species; foliage thick and leatherj-, 
of a deep crimson maroon. Leaves glossy — looking as if 
varnished— making a very attractive plant for decorative 
or bedding purposes. 
E. tricolor — Like the Croton. Dracena, etc., this plant requires a 
warm temperature to bring out its beautiful variegations, 
which run through all tlie shades of pink, purjjle and 
maroon. It has pi'oved valuable for massing in open ground. 

ERIANTHUS RAVENN.'E-- American Pampas."— (Harrfy 
Perennial). 

This ornamental grass, when in full bloom, attains a height of 
from nine to twelve feet, oi-casionally having over fifty flower 



THE HOME FLORIST. I93 

spikes on one plant, in two or three seasons, from seed. Perfectly 
hardy. Also increased by division of the roots. 

ERYSIMUM {Hardy Annual). 

Free flowering little annuals, producing flowers of beautiful 
orange shades, which are esteemed for their sweetness and suit- 
ability for cutting. Sow the seed where they are to flower. 

ERYTHRINA CRISTA GALLI-Coral Tuke- {Greenhouse 
Perennial). 

A half-hardy shrub, growing about four feet in height, with 
neat, cut foliage, the stems terminating with spikes of rich scarlet, 
pea-shaped flowers. Grows freely if planted in a warm situa- 
tion ; should be treated so as to remain dormant the same as 
Dahlias in winter. Propagated from cuttings or seed. 

ESCHOLTZIA — Californian Foppy— {Hardy Annual). 

The Escholtzia is a desirable garden annual easily grown from 
seed, and which flowers for a long time during the summer. The 
flowers are of a splendid yellow color in E. Californica, which 
is generally considered the best, and po sess a dazzling brilliancy 
in the sunshine. The dense growth which the plant takes on 
should be supported by sticks, or a portion of it may lie so close 
to the ground as to be detrimental to perfect flowering. Sow 
where they are to flower and thin out to one foot apart. 

EUCHARIS {Greenhouse Bulb). 

E. Amazonica — This is the famed "Lily of the Amazon." The 
flowers are white, star-shaped, exquisitely fragrant and 
borne in clusters of from four to six, on long stalks, above 
the foliage. They increase rapidly, but the bulbs should be 
disturbed as little as possible, repotting when necessary 
without division. These plants enjoy a warm and moist 
temperature. If wanted to flower in the winter water 
should be withheld during the latter part of the summer 
sufficiently to allow them to rest from August to October. 

EULALIE {Hardy Perennial). 

A hardy perennial from Japan, with long, narrow green leaves 
striped with yellow and white, throwing \v^ stalks four to six feet 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Eucharis. 

high, terminating with a cluster of flower spikes on which the 
individual flowers are arranged : the flowers are surrounded with 
long silky threads, which, when fully ripe, or when placed in a 
warm room expand, giving the whole head a nu>st graceful and 
beautiful appearance, not unlike that of an ostrich featlier curled. 
These drieu flowers are valuable as jiarlor ornaments, as they 
retain their beauty for a long time. Are propagated by division. 
E. Japonica variegata — Leaves striped lengthwise with creamy- 
white. 
E. Japonica zehnna,o>- Zebra Grass— Leaves striped crosswise 
with yellow. 

EUONYMUS (Greenhouse Perennial, 30, 45, 90 ). 

Very beautiful plants of a shrubby nature, valuable when small 
for pot culture, ferneries, winter hanging baskets, and in fact for 
any in-door purpose, as they are of neat, vigonMis habit, with 
lovely leaves of glossy texture, in some kinds are variegated, and 
are scarcely equaled for growing in tlie shade. They are hardy 
south of Oliio. 

The finest varieties for pot culture are aurea x^ariegata and 
radicans variegata, wh'uh nre nearly alike, except in their col- 
oi-s. Tlie leaves of the former are of a rich golden yellow color 
on a green and in radicam variegata, a l)right pea green, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 1 95 

deeply murgined with freaniy-vvliite, botli having a striking and 
pretty appearance that is not common. Easily propagated from 
cuttings. 

EUPATORIUM (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 75°.) 

These are plants extensively grov^n by florists for the large 
crops of pure white flowers they produce in the winter. Tlie 
flowers are borne in dense clusters on good stems. The plant is 
vigorous, of upright habit, and requires considerable pot room; of 
the easiest culture under any circumstances- As it propagates 
readily; it is best to start young plants early each spring for 
flowers the following winter ; they should be grown in pots out 
of doors during the summer in a place protected from wind. Cut 
down the i)lants after flowering, which will induce a new growth 
to propagate from. 

There are three varieties generally cultivated, the flowers of 

which are Mhite and nearly alike in appearance. E. arboreum, 

the earliest to flower, E. sulicifolius (very pure white) the next, 

and E. elegmis the latest, the three varieties together aff"ording 

a succession of bloom almost through the winter, 

E. triste— Is of more recent introduction and certainly the 

best, being quite distinct in foliage, which is more vigorous 

than in the preceding varieties, its white flowers borne in 

trusses of immense size in mid-winter make it one of the 

most desirable plants for culture at that season. 

EUPHORBIA {Greenhouse Perennial 34, 45, 90°) 

An extensive genus of plants, of which the following varieties 
are suitable for greenhouse culture, producing an abundance of 
flowers, which are suitable for bouquets, etc; they are of easy 
culture and are propagated from cuttings : 

E. splendens — A continuous blooming variety, densely covered 
on the stems with long spines, giving it a curious appear- 
ance; bright scarlet flowers, with a yellow center; of great 
value for bouquets. 

E. Jacquiniflora — Long racemes of orange scarlet flowers, which 
are very graceful. 

EVERLASTING FLOWERS. . See Acroclinium, Amobium Heli- 

chrysum, Helipterum, Gomphrena, Rhodanthe 

and Xeranthemum. 



196 THE HOME FLORIST. 



FABIANA IMBRICATA {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 50, 90^). 

One of the prettiest little shrub-like pot plants in cultivation, 
being of a dense pyramidal habit, witli fine foliage and jn'ofusely 
covered with white flowers in the spring; excellent for. baskets in 
summer or winter. Ordinary treatment and a good soil will suit 
the plant well; propagated by cuttings. 

FARFUGIUM GRANDE {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90*). 

A singular looking plant of easy culture in pots in the window 
or conservatory, the leaves of which are its attractive feature. 
These, borne on long stems, are large, round, smooth, of a deep 
green color, and blotched with distinct golden jellow spots, rang- 
ing from the size of a pin's head to nearly an inch across and dis- 
tributed with a striking irregularity over the surface. The plants 
are increased by new shoots starting from the root, and then 
should be taken oflf and potted. Suitable for planting in baskets, 
vases, etc., for summer decoration. 

FERN {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 40 or 50, 80<'). 

There are many species of Ferns or Brakes found growing in 
woods and swamp lands, in all parts of our country. These are 
kinds, the roots of which are perennial, but the tops of most of 
them die annually. The tender greenhouse species are perennial 
or evergreen, and are continually attractive, summer and win- 
ter. This class are among the most attractive plants which 
can be grown under glass or in the window, and especially in the 
latter place, with the use of a fernery or plant case. On page 43 
this means of growing plants is treated upon, but I may repeat 
that it exactly suits Ferns and many other plants of similar 
recpiirements. Ferns are propagated from the spores wliich 
appear on the leaves, these being sown in earth after the manner 
of very fine seeds. The plants should be grown in soil largely 
composed of leaf mould from the woods. 

We name the following ferns as embracing some of the most 
suitable varieties for general culture: 
F. Adiantum Formosum (Maiden Hair Fern) — Jet black stems and 

light green fronds. 
F. AUophila Aiistralis (Tree Fern) — A magnificent tree fern of 

rapid growth. 
F.Aspleniiim Belangeri — Elegant feather-like fronds; deep green 
color. 



THE HOME FLORIST. I97 

F. Lygodhnn scandens (Climbing Fern) — A climbing fern from 
Japan, of a graceful, twining habit, often attaining the 
height of fifty feet in its native wilds It is easy of cul- 
ture, treated as other ferns, and is a handsome plant.grown 
either climbing or drooping; the foliage is finely cut and 
very beautiful; a splendid house plant, unequaled in 
beauty. 

F. Microlcpia hirtha cristata — An elegant crested fern of good 
habit and growth. 

F. Nephrodium molle — Long, dark green fronds, upright growth. 

F. Nephrolepis exaltata (Sword Fern) — Of easy culture, and soon 
grows to a great size. 

F. Nephrolepis Duffii — An exquisite miniature variety of the old- 
fashioned, but ever popular Sword Fern, that commends it- 
self to every one by its easy growth and graceful appear- 
ance. 

F. Nephrolepis Davallioides Furcans—A beautiful and ornamental 
crested fern of easy culture. 

F. Platycerium alcicorne (Staghorn Fern) — Resembles a stag horn; 
of easy culture. 

jP. Polypodium cureum (Hare's Foot Fernj — An elegant variety. 

F. Polystichum Angidare—'Long foliage, resembling plumes of 
feathers; light green color. 

F. Pteris argyrea — Called by some Silver Fern. A very showy, 
strong growing Fern, with variegated foliage; fronds large, 
light green, with a broad band of silvery white down the 
centre of each; very distinct. 

F. Pteris serndata (Crow's Foot Fern)— The fronds are pendulous 
and grass like; of easy culture. 

F. Pteris tremula (Shaking Fern)— Very large, rich green foliage, 
beautifully cut. The strongest growing and best Fern for 
house culture; grows very rapidly and soon makes hand- 
some specimens; should be found in every collection of 
house plants. 

F. Scolopendrinm vulgare (Hart's Tongue) — Very desii-able for pot 
cuHure, being among the hardiest kinds. 

FEVERFEW— Pykethei-m {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85"). 

Very useful plants in several varieties, all of which are 
nearly hai-dy, of the easiest possible culture and readily propa- 
gated from cuttings. The double white Feverfew (Pyrethrum 



198 THE HOME FLORIST. 

Parthenium) produces an immense crop of perfectly double, pure 
white, daisy -like flowers, an inch and upwards across, in clusters, 
on stems eighteen inches high, the fore part of summer, and then 
less freely at intervals, until late in the season, on which ac- 
count it has become an important jjlant in every florist's green- 
house, and is deserving of general cultivation at tlie hands of 
amateurs, especiall}' as there need be no failure in managing 
it, to produce an abundance of bloom. 

Prince J.?//'fd is a variety similar to the preceding, but of dwarf er 
habit. Golden Feather Feverfew possesses no merit as a flower- 
ing plant, but is highly esteemed for its attractive, delicate cut 
foliage of a greenish golden color, and the dense symmetrical 
growth it assumes. It is a beautiful plant for massing or plant- 
ing in ribbon lines, and like the two varieties described above, is 
very suitable as a pot plant or for planting in vases and Inrge 
hanging baskets. The flower shoots should be pinched back as 
the}' appear. All the Feverfews may be taken from the giound 
in the fall and wintered in a cold-pit. To rear an abundance of 
stock for bedding, take plants thus secured into heat in February 
and then make cuttings, or else raise from seeds sown in January, 
which is a favorite coiu-se with florists. 

FICUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 90"). 

A fine plant, verj' popular, not only in the hothouse, but as a 
decorative plant for the drawing-room or flower garden. Its 
thick leathery leaves make it especially valuable in consequence 
of doing perfectly well in the dry air of inhabited rooms; propa- 
gated from cuttings. 
F. elastiea (India Rubber Plant)— The old and favorite sort; fine 

large shining foliage. 
F. Po;-('cZ?i— Large leaves, beautifully marbled with bright green 
and white. The plant is of free growth and extremely 
effective. 
F. repens — A fine creeper for green and hothouse decoration; it 
wiU cling tenaciously on a rough surface. 

FITTONIA. See Gymnostachyum. 
FORGET-ME-NOT, See Myosotis. 
FORSYTHIA - Golden Bell (Hardy Shrub). 
A small geinis of ornamental hardy shrubs, coming iu flower 
very early. 



THE HOME FLORIST. I99 

F. viridissima — Produces beautiful yellow flowers early in spring; 

leaves deep green. 
F. Fortuni — An upright-growing shrub with bright green foliage; 

flowers bright yellow, dropping before the leaves appear. 

A fine early flowering shrub. 

FOUR O'CLOCK. See Mirabilis Jalapa. 

. FOX GLOVE. See Digitalis. , 

FUCHSIA— Lady's Ear Drop {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 85"). 

The Fuchsia is one of that superb class of plants which, to 
an extent, are indispensable in every good collection. It is a 
well-known genus, and has for years attracted much attention by 
its elegant appearance as a pot plant, and more especially, its lovely 
flowers. The Lady's Ear Drop, as it is commonly called, is asso- 
ciated with our earliest recollection of window plants, cultivated 
many years ago, but since that time, like many other things, the 
florist's arts of improvement have caused wonderful changes in 
the flowers, and rendering the varieties of to-day immensely 
superior to those known a score of years ago. The Fuchsia is 
well adapted for pot culture on the window-shelf or in the con- 
servatory — some varieties flowering beautifully in the winter. 
They delight in the winter, not so much in a high temperature as 
in a Ught place, in which they can frequently be treated to a bit 
of fresh air. By nature they require a season of rest annually, 
which should be given the ordinary varieties during the latter part 
of summer, and the winter-blooming kinds for several months 
in the spring and summer. During the rest water should be 
withheld from the plants to an extent that will cause many of the 
leaves to drop, a little being applied occasionally to prevent the 
soil from becoming entirely dry. They may be placed in any dry, 
airy situation, but at no time where it freezes. After resting 
sufficiently, they should be cut back to encourage the formation 
of a well-formed plant from the new growth, and should be well 
supplied with water. As the flower buds appear, plants may re- 
ceive an occasional watering with liquid manure. Frequently re- 
potting the plants as needed into larger sizes, and in a soil of the 
most fertile nature — it may be one-third well-rotted manure— are 
important in growing the plant to perfection. By paying atten- 
tion to all these points, a growth of an astonishing magnitude 



200 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Fuchsia. 

may be had in the time of a few months, by starting with 
healthy young plants. Excellent as a flowering plant in the centre 
of hanging baskets and vases in shaded siiuations. and the double 
varieties are quite suitable for bedding in partially shaded jjlaces 
that are also protected from sweeping winds; easily propagated 
from cuttings. 



SINGLE VARIETIES. 

F. Aurora superha — Orange scarlet corolla, sepals rich salmon. 

F. Arabella— White tube and sepals; corolla rose. 

F. Black Fh'ince — Tube and sepals bright waxy carmine ; sepals 
large and l)road, with pale green tips, and large, open, pale 
pink corolla, margined with deep rose: of a very distinct 
and vigorous, free branching habit. One of the best. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 20I 



F. Earl of Beaconsjield—Yigorous growing, free flowering, beauti- 
ful habit, quite distinct; one of the best hybrid varieties; the 
blooms arc three inches in length and of great substance ; 
the tube and sepals are of a light rosy carmine; corolla 
deep carmine. 

F. EUzabcfh BlarsJiall — Tube and sepals scarlet; corolla white. 

F. EnjlancVs Glory — Pink corolla with carmine shade; a beautiful 
sort. 

F. Fairy — A miniature variety of clear red color. 

F. Gracieux — Single light red sepals ; corolla lavender blue; very 
fine. 

F. Gov. Baker — Plum corolla; sepals crimson. 

F. May Qixeen — Beautiful violet rose corolla ; sepals pure white; 
extra. 

F. Monarch — Immense flowers; tube and sepals of bright red and 
great length. 

F. Prince Imperial — Dwarf; early; e.xtra fine. 

F. President McMahon — Corolla scarlet; sepals greenish yellow. 

F. Rose of Denmark— Tube and sepals ivory white; corolla clear 
pink. 

F. Rose of Castile— Corolla, rosy pm-ple, with lighter streaks, free 
bloomer and good grower. 

F. Syringoeflora — Large truss of flowers resembling in shape a 
bunch of lilac. 

F. Sunray — This is an exceedingly novel and interesting plant; 
its leaves are richly marked in about equal proportions, 
with bright crimson, creamy white and bronzy green. 

F. Try me'oh — Tube and sepals bright crimson, with large, open, 
bell-shaped black corolla, the darkest yet known; fine habit. 

F. Wave of Life — Foliage bronzy yellow; scarlet tube and sepals; 
violet blue corolla. 

DOUBLE VARIETIES. 

F. Avalanche — Beautiful golden foliage, and dark double violet 

purple coroUa. 
F. Champion of the World — Large double flowers; tubes short ; 

sepals very broad and of great substance, well reflexed and 

of a most beautiful coral red; corolla most intense bright 

dark purple. 
F. Dolly Varden — Very double dark corolla. 



202 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Doable White I'lielisia. 



F. Elm City — Sepals rich crimson, enclosing corolla forming 

globular balls; dwarf and compact in habit; extra fine. 
F. Joseph Eossain — Dark double, violet blue corolla; striped deep 

scarlet. 
F. Kingsburyana—A variety of good habit and a most abundant 

bloomer, producing fine flowers with bright red tube and 

sepals, the latter rellexed and large; double, open and 

spreading white corolla. 
F. Nellie Morton— 'St^w; one of the very finest Fuchsias yet raised, 

very large and double ; p-,ue white corolla, beautifully 

reflexed bright scarlet sepals; magnificent. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 203 

F. Nonjmreil — Two double dark corollas; very peculiar and strik- 
ing. 

F. Purple rrince— Tube and sepals waxy carmine scarlet; corolla 
rich violet; double. 

F. Pnnch — Double violet corolla, sepals red. 

F. Victor Hugo — Double; flowers very large; sepals red; corolla 
clear lilac. A new color. 

WINTER-BLOOMING FUCHSIAS. 

The following four sorts are the best for winter flowering : 

F. Carl Halt — A white and red striped variety. 

F. Mrs. Marshall — Corolla very briglit purplish scarlet. 

F. Lustre — Waxy white and sepals elegantly reflexed; corolla 
vivid crimson, tinted with pale orange. 

F. Speciosa — A well-known variety, producing large flowers two 
inches in length, tubes and sepals of which are blush, the 
corolla crimson. Some plants of this variety grown in 
eight or nine inch pots will produce from three hundred to 
five hundred flowers from December to May. 

FUNKIA— The Plantain Lily {Hardy Herhacous Perennial). 

The White Day Lily (F. alba odora) is an attractive, bulbous 
garden plant, with luxuriant, broad, veined foliage of a rich, yel- 
lowish green color, and which grows in an elegant clump one 
foot high. The flowers are pure white and fragrant, of a pleas- 
ing appearance, being borne on stems twenty inches high, 
about mid-summer, opening only in the day. A mass of this 
beautiful plant growing on the lawn is very handsome. F. ccer- 
ulea is quite similar to tlie above, excepting that the flowers are 
light blue, and the foliage of a deep gi-een. F. marginata has 
elegant variegated leaves, distinctly edged and striped with sul- 
phur yellow. 

GALANTHUS — Snowdrop {Hardy Bulbous Perennial). 

Delightful little pure white flowers, blooming in the open air 
very early, and sometimes in warm, sunny exposures even before 
all the snow is gone. There is a double and a single variety. No 
garden can be considered well stocked, without having, at least, 
a few clumps of these earliest of all flowers. The bulbs should 
be planted in the fall months with Hyacinths, Tulips, etc., about 
two or three inches deep, and if set three inches apart in clumps 



204 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



a foot or two across, the effect will be the finest. Reset them 
once in three years. The Galanthus may also be forced into 
bloom in the winter in the house. (See page 52.) 

GARDENIA. See Jasmine. 

GAZANIA (Greenhouse Perennial, 32, 45, 85°). 

Summer and autumn flowering bedding plants of low, pros- 
trate habit; tiie prevailing colors are orange and yellow, with a 
broad, intensely black velvety ring aroiind the center. Excellent 
for planting at the edge in hanging baskets and vases for droop- 
ing over. Propagated from cuttings and layers. 




S^^lL'i^-^^^^ 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



205 



GERANIUMS. 



GERANIUM— Pelabgonium. {Greenhouse Perennials, 33, 45, 
85% except where noted). 

An extensive, varied and interesting 
family of plants of great value for 
pot culture and summer bedding 
in the open air. Indeed, in such 
a degree is this true, that a showy 
flower and window garden quite varied 
in its character, might be sustained by 
employing no other plants than those 
included in the genus. Their require- 
ments in culture are throughout of the 
most simple kind, and there is scarcely 
such a thing as failure in realizing sat- 
isfaction from cultivating them, even 
by inexperienced amateurs. All the 
varieties of the several sections strike 
root readily from cuttings. August 
and September are suitable months for 
propagating, as an abundance of growth 
is then available, and cuttings struck 
at this season will make strong plants 
for next year's use. They will also, 
' each year, afford many young cuttings 
during the winter for propagation. 
' Young plants make such a rapid 
^^g growth that it is better to provide 
'— ~ plenty of new stock each fall and win- 
ter for bedding in the spring, and also 
for pot culture, than to work much with the old plants. A light 
place, where air can be introduced to them, is the most suitable 
one for their winter quarters. Old plants can easily be kept over 
in a warm cold-pit or light cellar, which is not too damp. (See 
Pelargonium.) 




206 • THE HOME FLORIST. 

The Geraniums are, perhaps, the most useful and i)opular plants 
in cultivation. Wherever we go where plants are grown, in 
any part of the civilized world; in the humble little garden; in 
the latticed window of the thatched cottage; in splendid palace 
grounds and national gardens; everywhere do we find the Geran- 
ium at once useful and beautiful, and entirely eclipsing by its 
mass of bloom and brilliant coloring, its more aristocratic and 
costly neighbors. They not only bear beautiful flowers, but the 
foliage of many varieties is a'most as handsomely colored as 
the flowers; the leaves of some are loaded with the sweetest per- 
fumes, while the others are of the most elegant forms, and make 
a better setting for a button-hole bouquet than any other leaf 
known. 

For constancy of bloom the Geranium is unequalled. Small 
plants, that can be bought very cheap, if put out in May and 
June, will soon after planting, completelj' fill a bed and 
will be a mass of flowers, and continue getting better, until 
blackened by the frosty nights of autumn. While other plants 
are wilting under the scorching raj's of our summer sun, the 
Geranium seems to glory in the hottest weather. 

The Geraniums make excellent winter blooming plants, if not 
kept too warm; but for this purpose should be grown in pots all 
summer, and the buds picked off as they appear. 

ZONALE, SINGLE OR HORSE-SHOE 
GERANIUMS. 

This is, perhaps, for all purposes, the most useful class in culti- 
vation, the plants being easily giown, affording a large variety 
of colors, embracing all shades from purple and scarlet to white. 
As bedding plants they are unequalled, being rapid growers,, vig- 
orous and healthy, bearing the hottest sun admirably and are 
remarkably free ilowering. Scarcely a more i)leasiug or j-et 
more simple disposal of plants can be eflfected than to mass the 
scarlet varieties a foot or more apart, according to size, in a bed 
upon the lawn, to be viewed from a distance as from a walk or a 
favorite window in the living room. The plants should not be 
put into the ground until the weather is quite warm and all dan- 
ger from frosty nights is over — in the Northern States toward the 
last of May. Set the plants so that when grown, they will cover 
the ground. For brilliancy the varieties, Oen. Grant, Gen. 



1 



THE HOME FLORIST. 207 

Sheridan and Queen of the West are the best, being stron^^^^ro. v- 
ers and immense bloomers. All during the season many large, 
dazzling heads of bloom are conspicuous over the green, com- 
pact mass of leaves, affording a continual, never-tiring sight for 
months, which, for attractiveness, cannot be fully approached 
by any other plants in cultivation, similarly arranged. The num- 
ber of plants employed or the size of the bed has less to do with 
its general effectiveness than the adherence to the principle of 
using only one variety in the same mass, and also that the plants 
be nearly uniform in size (see " Planting in masses of color." page 
21). Besides the excellent scarlets named, there are others quite 
as suitable for bedding in masses, but my advice to amateurs is to 
make their first choice from the above named varieties for this 
purpose, leaving other colors for subsequent plantings, unless it is 
desired to plant a compound bed with Geraniums, each part with 
a distinctly colored variety. As stated before, masses of Geran- 
iums should be all of one color for the best effects, but a depai*- 
ture from this rule may be suggested as being, perhaps, quite as 
satisfactory, and that is to have the general mass one color — 
say, for instance, scarlet, and then bringing an edging of another 
color, like white or pink, around the outside of the scarlet. The 
following varieties are the best for massing: Gen. Grant, bright 
scarlet; Gen. Sheridan, darker scarlet; Queen of the West, orange- 
scarlet; Master Christine, pink; White Perfeciion, white; Celes- 
tial, deep rose, tinged white; Bishop Simpson, salmon; Louis 
Uhlbach, light yellow; Hoffgartner Eichlev, dark crimson; Ralph, 
amaranth purple. 

In massing Geraniums the beds may or may not be edged with 
plants of other kinds such as have showy foliage, as bsst suits the 
planter. The ground to be planted with Geraniums should 
always be slightly raised in the center to- a mound-like form. 
This class of Geraniums are much used as pot plants, and for 
planting in the center of hanging-baskets, and vases for which 
last named purpose there can be nothing better. Indeed some of 
the best filled vases we have ever seen, were planted with Geran- 
iums alone. 
G. Apple Blossom — Beautiful trusses of a pearly white, suffused 

with rosy-pink. 
Cr. Alcibiade — Red-salmon, shaded clear violet at center ; pips 

large; good trusses. 
G. vlmara?i^/i— Beautiful lilac pink. 



208 - THE HOME FLORIST. 



G. Audiffret-Pasquier— Carmine lake, slightly veined rose upon 
the upper petals. 

G. Antonin P/rxisf— Violet-carmine; upper petals marked pur- 
plish crimson; very fine flowering. 

G. Bislioj) Siiiq)soa — Large trusses of rich salmon. 

G. Beaiity of Ki)iysessi)ig— Salmon center, margined with white. 

G. BtamforcVs glory— Bright, clear scarlet. 

G. Blonde Beauty— DeeTp flesh color, shading to white. 

G. Celestial — Deep rose, tinged white; an extra fine sort ft)r bed- 
ding out, or winter flowering. 

G. Christine Neilson — Bright rosy pink. 

G. Cinderella — Bright rosy salmon, flue truss, new color; a beau- 
tiful variety. 

G. Challeuiel Lacour — Rich, vivid crimson; immense trusses; very 
fine. 

G. Cherry Lijis — Bright cherry; distinct color. 

G. Dazzle r — Exceedingly rich scarlet, with large white eye; very 
brilliant. 

G. Evening Star — This beautiful sort is most attractive, having a 
white ground with large pink eye. 

G. Eva — Magenta; fine color. 

G. Fairy — Salmon, flaked white. 

G. Favorite — Light pink; immense truss. 

G. General Sherman — Light crimson ; a fine bedder. 

G. General Hood — Very large flowers of a deep velvety scarlet 
color; a beautiful sort. 

G. General Sheridan — Showj' scarlet; a fine winter flowering gera- 
nium, and also a flne bedding geranium; always in flower. 

G. General Grant — Fine scarlet: this variety is used largely for 
bedding out. 

G. Gnome— Inwnensely large pips of the most intense glowing scar- 
let; small white eye; single florets measure full two inches 
in diameter. 

G.Guinea — Brilliant orange yellow; the nearest approach toayel- 
low Zonale yet sent out. 

G. Harry King— Intense scarlet with large white eye. 

G. Hoffgartner Eichler — Dark crimson shaded to bright scarlet. 

G. Illustre Citoyen— Dark orange red, centre whitisli lilac; flowere 
and trusses large. 

G. Institntor Deleral— Upper petals currant red; lower petals flame 
color; magniticeiit. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 209 

G. lanthe — Purplish crimson; fine. 

G. Jersey Lily — New, tender, rosy salmon, the base of the upper 
petals marked white; flowers of beautiful form; a truly 
magnificent variety. 

G. Jacques Leinhart — Rich scarlet, lined with crimson; of fine 
form and habit. 

G. Jealousy — Bright orange scarlet, so much so as to give a decided 
yellow hue; a beautiful sort. 

G. Jean Sisley — Fine scarlet, white eye; fine winter bloomer and 
good bedder. 

O. Jules Favre — A new and peculiar shade; violet shaded with 
lilac and light crimson. 

G. Jacquard — New, orange red; upper petals touched with vio- 
let; white centre; a fine flower; a beautiful sort, 

G. Leviathan — A fine sort; bright crimson scarlet, shaded ver- 
milion; free bloomer; immense trusses five to six inches in 
diameter. 

G. La Franche Gazfe— Centre pure white; edge of petals light 
red. 

G. La France — Violet purple, with fiery markings at base of up- 
per petals. 

G. i' Elysee — Deep orange-colored flowers, graduating to salmon 
toward the edges. 

G. Louis UJilbach — Yellowish red in color; a seedling of the 
Guinea. 

G. Mrs. Jas. A. Garfield — A new Geranium with the purest 
white flowers; dwarf and one of the fijiest sorts for pot 
culture. 

G. Madame Rampler — Fine, clear white, veined with purple; ex- 
tremity of the petals snow v/hite. 

G. Madame Recamier — Large, round flowers of perfect shape; 
deep rich crimson. 

G. Master Christine — Bright pink; fine bloomer; one of the best 
for summer bedding. 

G. Mrs. Windsor — A beautiful new variety with large trusses of 
blush white, with a scarlet eye. 

G. Mrs. Moore — New, pure white, Math a beautiful ring of bright 
salmon around a small white eye; very tine. 

G. Mrs. James Vick — White edges, pinkish centre; without an 
equal for winter. 

G. Mathilda — Rose pink; fine, 



\ 



2IO ' THE HOME FLORIST. 

G. Mary Halleck Foote — Bright pale salmon. 
G. Mazeppa — Pure scarlet; iiuuiense trusses. 
G. Md. Dauelle — Clear delicate rose; upper petals marked with 

white. 
G. Md. Bomage — Very fine scarlet. 
G. Mey'nnee — Orange, with wliite toward the edges. 
G. Mariettd P«c/ta— Carmine red, deepened with crimson. 
G. Maid of Kent — Pure lake-rose or pink. 
G. Masterpiece — Rosy scarlet; of great size. 
G. Neidand's Mary — Beautiful dark pink. 
G. New Life — Scarlet flowers, flaked and striped with salmon and 

white. 
G. Othello— Very dark scarlet. 

G. P. L. Courier — Immense trusses rich vermilion. 
G. Perseus — Light jiink shaded witli salmon. 
G. Par Excellence— St-arlet magenta; large trusses. 
G. Pride— Fine large salmon. 

G. Princess Maud — New, scarlet, pure white eye; very fine. 
G. President Garfield — Color lake carmine; upper petals marked 

orange; a very fine variety. 
G Queen of the West — Bright orange scarlet; large truss and 

profuse bloomer. We know- of no finer Geranium for 

planting out in beds. 
S. Rose Unique — Lai'ge trusses of an incarnate rose color, rayed 

with white in the centre, reverse of petals violet. 
G. Rienzi — Rich scarlet. 
G. Renonwie— Clear apricot, passing to copper rose, veined centre, 

large trusses. 
G. Ralph — One of the best bedding sorts y:t introduced; profuse 

bloomer; color dark amaranth purple. 
G. Streak of Luck — A rival of New Life; saimon color striped 

•with white; very free flowering. 
G. Scarlet T^.sva'/w.s— Bright scarlet; very free bloomer. 
G. Salmon Rienzii — A most beautiful salmon of great size; very 

fine. 
G. Salmon Leviathan— In the style of Crimson Leviathan hut 

larger; salmon flowers. 
G. Sara Bernhart — A splendid new white Geranium: flowers 

pure white, without even colored stamens; a beatiful sort. 
G, Sunshine — Vermilion scarlet. 
G. Thomas Carlyle — Center vermilion, sliading to salmon. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 211 



O. Von Moltke—Ca.v\L soft red, tinted with scarlet and heavily 
shaded with maroon. Its glossy, velvety color can not be 
excelled. 

G. W. K. Harris — Blush, pale red. center; fine, large round flowers. 

G. Wood Nymph — Bright clear pink, with white markings on 
upper petals. 

G. Wilsonii — Light amaranth. 

G. White Perfection — Pure white ; fine bedder. 

G. White Vesuvius — Color, white ; round petals ; verj'^ free flow- 
ering. 

G. William Ciillen Bryant — The finest shaped single flowered 
Geranium known. Each floret on strong plants will meas- 
ure two inches across ; color a soft, rich, pure scarlet. The 
thickness of petal and size of flower makes it appear as if 
stamped out of thick velvet. The trusses are large. 

G. Zuleika — Upper petals shaded crimson, lower petals blush 
purple. 

DOUBLE GERANIUMS. 

The Double Geraniums have now been in cultivation for a num- 
ber of years, and at the present time include almost every desir- 
able color, even to pure white. Their general habit and appear- 
ance is similar to the Single Geraniums. The plants are equally 
valuable, whether employed for bedding or for growing in pots. 
The Double Geraniums have been wonderfully improved tlie past 
few yeai's and are in every way proving formidable rivals to the 
Single Geraniums, not only as to variety in color, but also in 
free flowering qualities, and in the dwarf branching habit. So 
excellent are many of the sorts of the present day, that those who 
grow flowers for sale depend largely on these for contributing 
lively colors to their cut flowers and bouquets. When well grown 
it is not rare to find flowers as large and full as a Carnation . 
while the colors are brighter than those of that favorite flower. 
They are very fine for winter blooming, lasting much longer 
than the single varieties. 
G. Admiral Seymotir— Rich, dark amaranth. 
G. Ami Hoste— Dark crimson, bhaded with purple. 
G. Amazone — Creamy white, free bloomer. 
G. Asteroid — Deep rich crimson. 

G. Alba Pcr/ecto— Large, fine, snowy- white flowers ; very free 
bloomer. 



212 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



G. Asa Gray — Salmon-pink flowers, edged with wliite ; one of 

the best sorts ; a constant bloomer. 
G. Boasingault — Orange-vermilion, softened with rose. 
G. Bishop Wood — The upper petals carmine-scarlet, lower petals 

a violet-rose ; a new color. 
G. B. K. Bliss — Of all varieties this has the largest flowers and 

most vivid coloring ; tlie individual flowers are two inches 

in diameter, of good shape, trusses large; color, a rich tone 

of ]5ure scarlet. 
G. Charles Danvin — Rich deep violet-purple, the base of the 

superior petals marked with a flaming color. 
G. Commandant Ott — Scarlet-orange, shading into vermilion; 

habit and form very fine. 
G. Cybele — A new and flue sort ; has immense trusses of large 

flowers of a bright salmon-rose color, some of the petals 

fluted and blotched blush white ; very distinct. 
G. C. H. Wagner — Brilliant orange-scarlet, with a purple hue on 

the lower petals. 
G. Candidissivia — A large, full, finely formed flower of the most 

snowy whiteness. 
G. Casimer Perier — Very double flowers of flaming orange, 

bordered wtth salmon. 
G. Cabanel — Plant dwarf and a vigorous grower; truss extraor- 
dinary large ; sj/lierical ; bright carmine color. 
G. Cheerfidness — A new colt)r ; flesh pink, shaded and mottled 

rose: extremely double petals somewhat fluted or fringed: 

a fine and distinct variety. 
G. Depute Ancelon — Deej) magenta-rose, with a violet cast ; very 

double and fine. 
G. Depute Berlet — A beautiful shade pink with a tinge of violet. 
G. Depute Lajlize — Flowers a dark vermilion purple, large trusses 

with the pips closely packed. 
G. Depute Varroy — A bright lake color, deep at edges of i)etals 

and shading to white at the center ; a beautiful shade. 
G. Dr. Jacoby — Enormous trusses of large double flowers of clear 

nankeen salmon ; one of the finest Geraniums in our col- 
lection . 
G. Ed. Andre— A beautiful flower, of dark rose, shaded with 

violet. 
G. Emit de Girardin — A splendid variety with enormous trusses 

of rose-colored flowers. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 21 3 



G. Ernest Lauth — A magnificent variety; flowers large, full and 

well-formed; deep-glowing crimson, illuminated with 

scarlet. 
G. Flocon de Niege — Plant dwarf; free flowering; trusses very 

large; flowers pure white. 
G. Guillion Mangilli — Splendid large, round truss of rich carmine 

crimson; prolific bloomer and good bedder. 
G. Grand ChanceUer Faidherbe — A new sort; very thick and 

double flowers of a dark soft red, tinted with scarlet and 

heavily shaded with maroon; very dark and rich, and at 

the same time very bright; simply a superb variety. 
G. Gilded (roZd— Bright orange scarlet or flame color; flowers 

large, of fine form, branching habit, very constant bloomer 

and one of the best geraniums either for pot culture or for 

bedding. 
G, Gnstave Dore—A fine flower of shaded scarlet, reverse buff; 

very fine. 
G. General Saussier—Hosy salmon, shaded into violet; a very 

beautiful color; habit good, 
G. General Campenon — Large, fine truss, deep purplish red, 

shaded with violet. 
G. General Billot— Ijarge truss; extra large florets; its color is 

lake, tinted with flame. 
G. George Thorpe — The trusses are of immense size, on very 

strong foot stalks; the color is of the inost intense light 

crimson; the habit is branching and the foliage never 

burns; a grand variety. 
G. Hoff. Beach — Rich amaranth purple: of fine habit and robust 

constitution, the foliage wearing well in the hottest weather; 

the flowers are of good size, the trusses large and freely 

produced; a good variety for bedding. 
G. Henry Cannell— The richest, most vivid and dazzling scarlet; 

florets of great size and perfect form; always in bloom. 

Its glowing, velvety color cannot be excelled, and it will 

bed as well as the singles; the best double Geranium 

grown . 
G. Iroquois —"New , intense deep scarlet, very large and double 

flowers; very free flowering. 
G. Illuminator — Black velvety ci'imson; very double and brilliant; 

quilted. 
G. John Fennely — Very double, light salmon, striped with white. 



214 • THE HOME FLORIST. 

G. J. ('. Rodbard — Brilliant red, upper petals tinged with purple. 

G. Jennie Reid — Very dwarf; bright scarlet. 

G. J. H. KUppart — Entirely distinct from any Geranium yet 
offered; flowers double, of the most dazzling vermilion 
scarlet, shaded with maliogany at base of petals; trusses 
very large, often measuring five inches in diameter; of 
globular shape, resembling a scarlet ball; a remarkably free 
bloomer, and equaling General Grant as a bedder; a mag- 
nificent variety; commended. 

G. J. P. Kirtland — Large, double flowers; color rich deep crim- 
son dashed with purple; upper petals stained with scarlet. 

G. Jewel — One of the most beautiful; very dwarf and compact; 
bright scarlet; very double. 

G. James Vick — Fine shade of crimson; lower petals changing to 
violet rose; a new color. 

G. J. P. Stahl — New, deep soft rose, edged with salmon; a beau- 
tiful color and one of the finest new geraniums introduced, 

G. John Heron — Rich plum purple; flowers and trusses larger; 
habit compact and spreading; a fine bedder and quite an 
acquisition. 

G. La Negre — Dark maroon, full and perfect; large trusses; one 
of the best. 

G. UAbbe Gregoire— Free flowering; the upper petals are of a 
fiery amaranth; tbe lower of a capucine red. 

G. Lemoines Co«»e/i— New. This is by far the most highlj'-col- 
ored Geranium grown; as nearly as it can be described, the 
color is a rich amaranthine red; the under petals very 
strongly marked with purple, producing a very rich and 
beautiful effect. 

G. Le P?7o^e -Glowing crimson scarlet; very brilliant, hand- 
somely-formed flowers, beautiful in its rich coloring. 

G. M. Hardy — Large flowers, very double; perfect in foi"m; of a 
delicate rosy pearl color. 

G. M. Pnteaux Chaiinbault — Plant dwarf and compact in form; 
spherical trusses; flowers semi-double; fine rose color; ex- 
cellent for pot culture. 

G. Mrs. Cope— Rich carmine red, of large size and immense 
trusses. 

G. Madame Amelia Ballet — Dwarf habit and remarkably clear; 
double pure white, in good trusses; the freest flowering dou- 
ble white yet raised. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 21 5 

Gr. Madavie Thibaut — Flowers very large, of a rich rose color, 
washed with violet carmine; the upper petals strongly 
marked white at their bases; one of the best for winter 
flowering. 

G. Md. Grangeorge — Bright mauve; upper petals clear white 
toward the centre; a most beautiful sort. 

G. Mrs. Charles Pease — Has flowers of an exquisite deep pink 
color, with upper petals of each flower distinctly marked 
with pure white, so much so as to make it appear as if one- 
half the flower is white, producing a novel effect; one of 
the best for pot culture. 

G. M. Deriard— Enormous trusses of a magenta red, with a 
metallic shade; a very free bloomer. 

G. Minister CoMsfa?is— Flowers very large and full; bright orange 
shaded with salmon. 

G. Mary Anderson — Fine vermilion scai'let; a fine new sort. 

Cr . Mrs. Hayes — Very double flowers of a beautiful light shade of 
pink or flesh color; very fine. 

G. Monsieur Buckler — Flowers double, of good size; beautiful 
bright mahogany color. 

G. Monsieur Dibos — Flowers well made, in the form of rosettes, 
porcelain white; centre glossy rose. 

G. Maiden's Blush — White, finely flaked with rose; a new color. 

G. Paul St. Victor — Enormous truss, large florets, rosy carmine; 
foliage fine and compact. 

G. Phallas — A rich, apricot orange; most vivid in coloring; trusses 
very large; habit neat and free; fine and distinct bedding 
variety. 

G. President Charton — Salmon, brilliant at the centre, white ex- 
tremities of the petals 

G. Peter Henderson — Bright orange scarlet, very double; base of 
petals pure \f hite; a remarkably fine Geranium. 

G. Queen of Roses Dwarf; beautiful light rose flowers. 

G. Queen of the Fairies — A bi-color variety of the most perfect 
shape; rich flesh color, mottled with pearly white. 

G. Robert George— Deep crimson scarlet of great size; free 
bloomer. 

O. Sapier Pompier — Flowers large, very double and finely-shaped; 
color deep scarlet. 

G. Sylphide — Flowers delicate, sliglitly tinted with lilac, with a 
distinct white spot at the base of the petals. 



2l6 . THE HOME FLORIST. 



G. Simon Delaux — Very double, large pips, rich violet purple. 

G. Souvenir de Castile — A splendid variety; flowere amaranthine 

red, beautifully toned with violet; a grand sort. 
G. Soleilett — In form dwarf, free blooming; of a rich violet lake 

color; very tine. 
G. Siren — Very large individual florets of pure white. 
G. The Gliost — Flowers white, finely formed; petals waxy and of 

great substance. 
G. Tlie Blonde — Salmon, deeply shaded orange; base of petals 

white, with a white margin, 
G. Victor iifwgro— Flowers very large and double, and color a 

flaming orange touched with the tints from the dawn of 

day; novel and superb effect. 
G. William Hamilton — New, a grand variety, rich deep crimson, 

with very bright maroon shadings; large flowers. 
G. Ziccot Ma ngenot —Yery large truss, speckled with cream color 

on a ground of light rose, with tints of carmine. 

IVY-LEAVED GERANIUMS. 

A splendid class of climbing or trailing Geraniums, adapted for 
baskets, vases, rock-work and training on trellises in pot culture. 
They have thick glossy foliage of a peculiar waxy texture, pos- 
sessing mostly the Ivy-leaf shape, which of itself would be of 
sufticient beauty to warrant their cultivation, but they also have 
the charming attraction of beautiful flowers as well as foliage. 
They bloom with the greatest freedom during the spring and sum- 
mer, flowers varying from pure white to dark rose, and the flowers 
show to delightful advantage, owing to the habit of the plants. 
The plants are also interesting for bedding, as they grow freely 
and creep beautifully, if not supjiorted, forming dense masses 
of glossy green, covered with beautiful flowers. 

SINGLE-FLOWERED IVY-LEAVED. 

G. Butterfly— Bright rose, striped crimson. 

G. Bridal Wreath— Fine, large trusses of pure white flowers; a 

very distinct variety. 
G. Innocence — Pure white; excellent. 
G. r elegante— Xn extremely i)retty variety of bright green foliage, 

with a broad band of creamy white, often margined with 

pink; its pure whit© blossoms are produced in dense clus- 

ters, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



217 




Ivy-Lea ved Geraniiiin 



G. Mrs. H. Cannell— Large trusses of flowers of a deep mauve 
purple, perfectly round and produced in great abundance; 
largest flowered and most distinct ivj'-leaved Geranium 
grown. 

G. Princess Alexandria — Blush pink, feathered with violet crim- 
son; a strong grower; very free flowering, making one of 
the handsomest basket or vase plants that can be grown. 



G 



G 



DOUBLE FLOWERED IVY-LEAVED. 



Charm— A very fine large flower of a beautiful bright pink 
color, with rich crimson marking in the upper petals. 
G. Candeur — Flowers very double; pure white, of excellent form 
and habit ; a very beautiful variety. 

Countess Horace de Choiseid — Plant vigorous; leaves without 
zones; flowers very large, double and imbricated in good 
trusses; color bright golden salmon; the brightest colored 
of all the ivy-leaved varieties; one of the finest hanging- 
basket plants grown. 



2lS 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



O. Glorie d' Orleans — A magnificent variety; flowers very large, 

of light violet red; always in bloom and flowers in clusters. 
O. Jeanne d'Aic — Flowers very large and double, of the pure.st 

white; fine habit; free flowering; the best. 
G. la Rosiere — Flowers of perfect shape, double and of good size; 

color satin rose; an excellent variety'. 
O. Madame Diibos — In this variety we have a real advance in 

double flowering Ivy Geraniums; the flowers are verv large, 

full, double; in color a deep, beautiful pink; an extra fine 

sort. 
O. Monsieur Pasteur — Flowers finely formed, very large petals, 

fine cherry color, suffused with rose; good habit and fine 

grower. 
G. Plutus — A fine variety; produces a fine, large rosette-like 

flower of a violet rose color. 
G. Vice-President JoZ?/— Flowers round and finely-formed; petals 

imbricated; color clear rosy lilac. This variety rivals the 

well-known zonale Mme. Thibaut in form and color. 



GOLDEN TRICOLOR AND SILVER-LEAVED 
AND TRICOLOR GERANIUMS (33, 50, 85^). 

As their names imply, the chief merit of this section consists 
in the distinctly margined and variegated foliage, although, with- 
out an exception, they produce fine flowers. Well-grown speci- 
mens as i:)ot plants are exceedingly handsome for decorating the 
parlor or conservatory, but tliey should have a position as near 
the glass as possible, as tlie colors will be more clearly defined for 
being thus treated. The different varieties are useful for plant- 
ing in ribbon beds to contrast with Coleus, Achyranthes, etc., or 
for edgings to beds of Scarlet Geraniums, and also for planting 
in baskets and vases. 

GOLDEN TRICOLOR GERANIUMS. 

G. Countess of Tyrconnell — Yellow margins with a bright car- 
mine zone. 

G. Countess of Craven — Margin of clear golden yellow, with a 
rich crimson zone. 

G. Crown Jewel — This has a fine bold leaf and good colors. 

G. Earl of Derby— Zone dark chestnut red and black; margin of 
golden yellow. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 219 




Golden Tricolor Geranium. 

G. Edwina Fitzpatrick — Green, red zone, belted with crimson, 
edged with golden yellow. 

(t. Ehor — Broad gold margin, broad zone, tinted with flame red. 

O. Golden Pheasant — Leaves green; centre bounded by a splendid 
bronze zone; rich yellow belt. 

G. Humming Bird — A beautifully-shaped leaf; it is certainly one 
of the best. 

G. Jetty Lacy — Bronze gold margin, deep crimson zone; good 
grower. 

G. Louisa Smith — Deep yellow, margined with distinct zone of 
bright red and black. 

G. Mrs. Pollock — A magnificent variety; the green leaf disc, over- 
laid by a beautiful bronze red zone, belted with bright 
crimson and outwardly margined with golden yellow; very 
fine for the parlor or conservatory during winter and 
spring. 

G. Needle Gun — Margined with deep yellow; zone bright and 
lively. 

G. Queen of Tricolors — Crimson scarlet zone, with brimstone edge. 

G. Rosina Said — This is a beautiful tricolor, zone exceedingly 
bright and clear, with a bright yellow margin. 

G. Sir Robert Napier — The broadest and darkest zone, indented 
with brilliant scarlet; flesh-colored flowers; extra. 



220 THE HOME FLORIST. 



O. Sunset— A rich, broad, outer golden belt, tlie inner margin of 

which is overlaid with a bright carmine red zone and Hame 

scarlet tints. 
G. So2)hia Dnmaresque—Golden margin marked by a brilliant 

flame-tinted scarlet zone. 
G Socnitcs— Golden leaf marghi; zone flame red upon a bronze 

belt. 
G. Star of India— Margin golden yellow; zone flame scarlet. 

SILVER-LEAVED AND TRICOLOR. 

O. .4rgMs— Chocolate zone, white and green markings; a strong 

grower; one of the best. 
G. Bi/oit— Leaves finely margined with white; scarlet flowers. 
G. Bvigld Star — A white edge; scarlet flowers. 
G. Brilliant — Leaves margined with white; bright scarlet flowers. 
G. Cherub — Leaves deep green, white and orange; flowers carmine. 
G. Castlernilk — The whitest margined variety; olive green center. 
G. Countess of Warwick — Vigorous grower; deep green, witli 

pinkish carminp zone, creamy edge. 
G. Emjiress Eugenie — A rose zone on a chocolate ground, white 

margin. 
G. Floicer of Spring — Leaves margined white; scarlet flowers. 
G. Fontainhleu — Margined with white; bright carmine zone. 
G. Freak of Nature — New; a very unique and attractive variety; 

outside leaves light green, with a large, pure white center; 

flowers light scarlet, dwarf and spreading. 
G. Glen Eyre Beauty — A beautiful variety with well-defined zone 

of dark chocolate and rosy carmine and very pui-e; white 

margin. 
O. Happy Thought — A tricolor Geranium, with very dark green 

foliage, having a light creamy, almost white center, with a 

dark band about the light zone. It is a beautiful plant, 

and flowers bright scarlet. 
G. Little Beauty — Silver margin, with pretty rose-tinted zone. 
G. Jane — Leaves mai'gined with white; very fine bedder. 
G. Mountain of Snow—Ihe finest of this class; a vigorous grower, 

an abundant bloomer, and for ribbon lines of massing is 

one of the best; the center of the leaf is bright green: the 

outer iiKii-^in broadly marked with silvery white; one of 

the whitest leaved sorts; flowers bright scarlet. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



221 




Silver-Leaved Geranium. 



G. Mrs. John Clutton — A very attractive sort; leaves pale green, 
with a creamy white edging and a bright crimson zone, 
which is very brilliant on the young foliage, giving it 
almost the appearance of flowers. 

G. Mad. Sallervi— A yery compact variety of Silver Geranium; 
very fine for massing or bordering; a thrifty, liealthful 
grower, rarely reaching a height of more than six inches; 
leaves very small, of a peculiar clear green, edged with 
pure white. 

G. Prince Silverwings — A beautiful varietj-, silver tricolor; foli- 
age green, yellow and white edge, crimson zone. 

G. Queen of May — Foliage white, green, bronze and pink. 



222 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



G. Snowstorm — Oue of the finest in the class of Silver-Leaved 
Geraniums; the margin of the leaf is very broadlv mar- 
gined with white; dark green centre and scarlet flowers. 

G. Silver Cord — Pure white margin, green leaf. 

G. Silver Pheasant — A vigorous grower and good bedder; leaves 
margined creamy white; flowera scarlet. 

SCENTED AND CUT-LEAVED GERANIUMS. 



The Geranium family affords 
in this delightful section, a 
remarkable diversity of sweet- 
smelling odors in their foliage, 
resembling fruits, etc., which 
is not common with any othei 
class of plants to anything like 
a similar extent. The Hose, 
ApXile, Lemon, Orange and 
Peppermint are sufficiently dis- 
tinct in fragrance that no im- 
agination or fancy is retjuired 
to detect the resemblance to 
tiie natural fruits, etc., from 
which they derive their names. 
The Nutmeg fragrance in the 
Cut-Leaved Geranium. variety so called is not quite so 

apparent; neither is that of the Citron and Pennyroyal, yet these 
each jjossess quite a distinct fragrance which is agreeable and 
desirable for variety. The Oak-Leaved variety closely resembles 
the oak leaf in shape; has clearly defined variegations and bears 
attractive pink flowers with brilliant dark spots on the petals. 
Ferni folia is a beautiful variety with very thin, finely cut leaves 
of fern-like texture and of a transparent gieeu color, which ren- 
ders it of real interest. The Skeleton-Leaved is a very attractive 
variety with foliage of a skeleton-like appearance, that is to 
say: the loaves are singularly cut, the fleshy material lying along 
botii sides of the frame-work of ribs, but generally less than one- 
eighth of an inch in width in any part. Dr. Living.sto)tc some- 
what resembles the skeleton-leaved and makes a remarkably 
prelty plant. Lady Plymouth, besides possessing fragrance, is 
similar in the form of its foliage to the Rose, with distinctly 




THE HOME FLORIST. 223 

marked edges and variegations of white throughout. This is a 
beautiful variety for pot culture or for bedding out. Shnibland 
Pet is a free-growing variety with leaves of sweet fragrance 
somewhat resembling Rose ; it grows rapidly when bedded, 
assuming a height of eighteen inches, and bears constantly in 
summer, hundreds of rich crimson flowers. Little Gem is a 
dwarf grower and profuse bloomer, with deep green foliage 
resembling the Rose in form; very desirable as a pot or summer- 
bedding plant. 

O. Balm Scented — Has very large foliage; deliciously fragrant. 
G. Betulin i (Birch-Leaved) — Leaf small, flowers nearly white ; 

delicious birch fragrance. 
O. Mrs. TViyZor— Foliage not A^ery fragrant, but beautiful; flowers 

scarlet, in good clusters, shaped like a small Pelargonium; 

blooms very freely and constantly. 
G. Rose Scented -There are two kinds — one the broad leaf variety 

and the other more finely cut. 
All the scented and cut-leaved Geraniums are valuable as pot 
plants, as they are not alone dependent upon bloom to make 
them attractive, althougli nearly all bear flowers freely, and 
some are really very desirable on this account. For making bou- 
quets, and as a back ground for button-hole flowers they are 
indispensable. Their value as bedding plants seems not to be 
justly appreciated by cultivators. They are without exception, 
rapid, liandsome growers, and become, in a short time after bed- 
ding, exceedingly beautiful. All the varieties propagate readily 
from cuttings, except the Apple, which is reared from seed. 

GOLDEN BRONZE GERANIUMS. 

This class of Geraniums has been greatly improved in the last 
few years, combining the brightest colored flowers, with beauti- 
ful foliage. They are admirable bedding plants, attracting all 
by their bright foliage; even during the heat of summer they pos- 
sess qualities that are not attained by any other class of Geran- 
iums. 

SINGLE-FLOWERED VARIETIES. 

G, Beauty of Caidderdale—ljight golden yellow foliage, dark 

chestnut zone, scarlet flowers. 
G. Black Hawk — Dark brown zone on yellow ground; scarlet 

flowers. 



224 THE HOME FLORIST. 




I 



Golden Bronze Geranium. 

G. Bronze Model — Golden foliage, brown zone, scarlet flowers; 
extra fine. 

G Crystal Palace Gem — Fine yellow, with green disc; extra fine 
bedder. 

G. Distinction — Very peculiar leaf markings, not a bronze; the 
leaves are enriched near the edge with a very narrow zone 
of deep black. Placed here for want of class suitable f <ir it. 

G. Earl Roslyn—lhe foliage is large, of a brilliant yellow color, 
with a broad, chocolate zone. 

O. Exquisite — New; large chocolate zone; large golden yellow cen- 
ter; edges variegated; flowers salmon, tipped white. A 
perfect beauty; no one should fail to have this fine Gera- 
nium in their collection. 

G. Fanny — Light golden foliage; chocolate zone; the flowers are 
large and of a delightful peach color; very free blooming; 
one of the best winter blooming Geraniums grown. Excel- 
lent. 

G. Gen. R. E. Lee— Leaves deep green, distinctly marked with a 
large, light golden blotch in the center, forming a well 
marked variegation; flowers dazzling scarlet, with attrac- 
tive white eye. 

G. King of the Bronzes — New; large, finely formed leaves, with 
broad chocolate zone, in a pure yellow ground; a striking 
and distinct varietv. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 225 

O. Marshal McMahon — The best of all the Bronze Geraniums; 
ground color of leaves, golden yellow, marked with a deep 
chocolate zone; a splendid bedding A'ariety. The variega- 
tion withstanding our hot, dry atnaosphere admirably. 

G. Prince Henry — Center of the leaf, rich yellow ; zone very 
broad and of a rich, dark color. One of the best. Very 
distinct and beautiful. 

G. Pride of Mt. Hope— l^axge foliage, of a brilliant yellow color, 
with broad, chocolate zone. 

G. Warrior — Light yellowish green leaf, with a broad, light choc- 
olate bronze zone; flowers reddish scarlet; a splendid 
variety. 

G. Zvlu — Bright yellow leaf, with very deep chocolate zone. 
Decidedly the darkest and best of this class. 

DOUBLE-FLOWERED VARIETIES. 

G. Corinue — Clear golden yellow foliage, with elegant zone; 

flowers double; trusses good size; color fiery orange. 
G. Magician — Foliage dark green, with greenish-yellowish disc. 

Flowers orange scarlet, and foliage as fine as some of the 

golden tri-colors. 

GESNERA ZEBRIl^ A {Greenhouse Bulbous Perennial, 33, 60,90°). 

A pot plant with beautiful velvety foliage that is richly varie- 
gated in green and maroon. It dies down to the root at the ap- 
proach of winter, after which water should be withheld almcst 
entirely, keeping the pot in a warm place. In spring the bulb 
may be repotted, dividing it if desirable, and it should then be 
given plenty of water to induce a new growth. The plant likes 
a sandy loam soil, which will be the better for an admixture of 
some thoroughly decayed leaf mould. 

GLADIOLUS {Tender Bulb). 

Of the summer flowering bulbs the Gladiolus heads the list as 
the most imposing, varied and beautiful class. The flowers on a 
bed of good varieties are gorgeous and attractive beyond descrip- 
tion. They are produced in si)ikes, two feet and upward in 
height, and have especially in the newer varieties, a rich, sub- 
stantial texture, wdiich make them the subject of irresistible ad- 
miration from all beholdei's. By planting at intervals, from the 
middle of April till June, the flower garden may be brilliant v/ith 



226 THE HOME FLORIST. 

their colors for several months in summer and early autumn. 

Plant two or three inches deei> and six or nine inches apart; keep 

tied to stakes, or, if in beds, to twine stretched across the bed. 

By the middle of October take up the bulbs, leave them to dry 

for a few days, but not exposed to frosts, remove the to]3S, and 

store in a moderately warm dry place through the winter for next 

year's planting. The rapid natural increase of the Gladiolus un- 
der common cultivation, together witli the slight first cost of 

superior bulbs, always tends to make their culture satisfactory. 

G. Adonis — Light clierry, marked with white. 

G. Annatal Levanneur — Brilliant crimson, with maroon and 
azure. 

G. Antonius — Cherry color, tinged with orange. 

G. Aristole — Rosy lilac, mottled with crimson, yellow and car- 
mine. 

G. Berenice — Rose, streaked with carmine and pnrjjle. 

G. BrencliJeyensis — Deep vermilion scarlet: fine. 

G. Chus. Dickx'ns — Delicate rose, blaz( d with crimson rose. 

G. Couranti Fulgens — Brilliant crimson, with yellow. 

G. Daphne — Light cherry, with darker stripes, stained with car- 
mine. 

G. DeAudry — Brilliant. 

G. Don Juan — Rich, fiery orange, with darker marks and 
blotches. 

G. Emma — Clear, deep carmine; dwarf. 

G. Eugene F(?rc?/er^Rich carmine, with deep crimson spots. 

G. Fanny Rouguet — Rosy flesh color, with carmine stripe) excel- 
lent. 

G. Galatliea — Fine pinkish white, with carmine spots and stains. 

G. Gandavensis — Red, marked with yellow, amaranth stripe. 

G. Gem — Rosy lilac, slightly penciled with carmine and yellow. 

G. Hercules — Fawn and scarlet, with yellow. 

G. John Bull — White, slightly tinged with lilac, and sometimes 
of pinkish color; large and excellent. 

G. Lelia — Peach blossom, stained lilac. 

G. Lord Byron — Brilliant scarlet, stained with pure white. 

G. Madame de Vatry — White, with violet crimson tint. 

G. Madame Hercinque — White, yellow and rosy violet; marbled. 

G. Madame JTocquin — Blotched and marbled scarlet. 

G. Madame La Febre — Light pink and rose. 

G. Madame Victor Verdier — Scarlet and rose, with violet spots. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 22/ 



G. Mars — Fine form and color. 

G. Mazeppa — Kosy orange and red, large yellow stems; late. 

G. Meteor — Dark brilliant red with wliite stains. 

G. Meyerbeer — Very brilliant light red, blazed with vermilion, 

amaranth stain; superb. 
G. Mons. Fnic/io?i — Light salmon red. 
G. Nemesis— Rosy scarlet, with yellow and purple. 
G. Ninon de Endor — Fine rose, flushed with carmine. 
G. Osiris — Purplish rose, with dark blotches. 
G. Pallas — Bright rose, shaded with orange. 
G. Princess de Montrague — Brilliant red ; dwarf. 
G. Princess of Wales — White, blazed with carminate rose. 
G. Princess Fred. William — Flesh color, lightly streaked. 
G. Proserpine — Rosy white, marked with deep rose and crimson. 
G. Rembrandt — Bright scarlet. 
G. Stuart Bow — Violet rose, stained deep rose. 
G. Urania — White, blazed with carminate rose. 
G. Vesta — White, shaded and marked with carmine pink. 
(?. Victoria — ^Rosy red, with a slight white centre. 

GLOXINIAS {Tender Bidb). 

These are among the handsomest of our summer-blooming 
greenhouse plants, the rich and varied coloring of the flowers 
being beautiful in the extreme: flowers 2 inches long by H inches 
in diameter; upright and pendulous; colors crimson, violet, rose, 
scarlet, white etc. The bulbs should be started in April, and af- 
ter blooming all summer, require a season of rest. This can be 
given by gradually withholding water from them. After they are 
dried off, tliey may be kept in a warm, dry cellar or under the 
stage of a greenhouse. 

GNAPHALIUM LANATUM (Greenhouse Perennial, 33. 45, 90°). 

A white-leaved plant, of spreading habit, about one foot higli; 
well adapted for the front lines of ribbon beds, also snitable for 
use in baskets and vases; propagated from cuttings. 

GODETIA (Hardy Anyiual), 

Annuals of good quality, readily grown trom seed, wliich may 
he sown where tbey are to flower. They thrive in any garden 
soil, and bloom nearly the entire season. 



228 THE HOME FLORIST. 



GOLDFUSSIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 90°). 

Natives of India, shrubs with dark green leaves, and spikes of 
very pretty funnel-shaped flowers, blooming most of the 
winter in moderate heat and moisture. In good friable soil they 
will grow luxuriantly; propagated from cuttings. 
G. anisophylla — Flowers pale lilac, and very abundant. 

GOMPHRENA— English Clover {Half Hardy Annual). 

An indispensable class of everlasting flowers, with colors as 
brilliant and showy as any belonging to this interesting group. 
Aside from the desirable quality in the flowers of drying and re- 
taining their forms and colors for years, they are highly useful as 
summer decorative plants. For this purpose they may be planted 
singly in the border, or used for massing and ribboning, on ac- 
count of their free-flowering habit. The flowers are also useful 
in their fresh state for summer cutting. The colors are white, 
flesh-color, dark purplish crimson, and orange. Sow the seed in 
a hot-bed or window-box, quite early, and transplant the young 
seedlings, the latter part of May, to a foot apart in tiie garden. 
By removing the cottony husk which envelopes the seed, it will 
germinate more freely. For drying, do not pick before they are 
of full size, which will be in August or September. Gomphrenas 
are also well adapted for pot culture in summer, flowering nearly 
as freely in tliis way as in the open ground; for this purpose the 
soil should be rich, and no lack of water allowed at any time. 

GOLD DUST SHRUB— AucuBA Japonica {Greenhouse Peren- 
nial, 30, 45, 85°). 

A beautiful pot plant, prized for its attractive foliage; the 
leaves, of which are large, smooth, and of a deep green color, 
exquisitely blotched or speckled with golden yellow. The 
plant is almost hardy, and will thrive under the most ordinary 
treatment; very desirable in the window, conservatory or for 
summer decoration in pots. 

GRASSES FOR DRYING {Annuttls and Biennials). 

These seed-grown grasses, though, of course, not brilliant as re- 
gards colors, are always interesting in the garden and not unde- 
sirable for cutting with flowers in summer. But, it is for their 
use with the everlasting flowers for the formation of winter 



THE HOME FLORIST. 229 

bouquets, wreaths and other ornaments that they are particularly 

valuable. For this purpose they should be cut in a green state 

and dried in the shade. 

O. Agrostis nebulosa — Is a most elegant, ornamental grass; fine 
feathery and very delicate. 

O Briza maxivia — Is one of the best of the ornamental grasses; 
perfectly hardy; sow in the open ground any time in the 
spring. 

G. Briza minor — Is very small and pretty; sow early. 

G. Bromns brizaformis — Is much like Briza Maxima, but is only 
useful the second summer after sowing. 

G. Coix Lachryma (Job's Tears) — This plant is of no value for 
drying to be used in the formation of winter bouquets, but 
is grown for its wonderful bead-like seeds. These appear 
to be as hard as glass, possessing a glazed surface, and each 
seed is naturally punctured with a hole, which admits of 
their being strung like beads; not brilliant, but interesting 
and easily grown. 

G. Lagurus ovatus (Hare's Tail Grass) — Has a showy head; ex- 
cellent. 

G. Stipa xwnnata (Feather Grass)— A most useful and exceed- 
inglj' graceful and handsome grass for winter bouquets, 
flowering the second season. Wherever the seed is sown 
the rows should be distinctly labeled, for the growth so 
nearly resembles ordinary grass that it would be in dan- 
ger of being weeded out, unless guarded by such means. 

GYMNOSTACHYUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 38, 55, 90"). 

Beautiful pot plants for the conservatory or for fernery culture 
in the window, with smooth leaves, richly painted with reticula- 
tions, which vary from red to rich pink and white, on a deep 
green ground. A warm, damp, shady place suits them best. 
Propagated from cuttings. 

G. argyronera — Distinctly veined with white; creeping habit. 
G. gigantea — Strong grower, veined with pink; creeping habit. 
G. Versclwffelti — Beautiful, veined with red; creeping habit. 

GYNERIUM ARGENTEUM— Pampas Grass. {Half-Hardy 

Perennial). 

A highly ornamental reed-like grass from South America, 
attaining a height of six or seven feet, with magnificent plumes 



230 THE HOME FLORIST. 

of wliite flowers, measuring from one to two feet in length; 
excellent for massing in lawns, M-bere it presents a noble appear- 
ance. Its roots can be preserved through the winter by keeping 
in a cellar or cold frame. Propagated by division. 

GYPSOPHILA {Hardy Annual and Perennials). 

Free-flowering, graceful, little plants for the garden. Readily 
grown from the seed, and bears very small, rose-colored flowers 
on delicate stems, which present an exceedingly light and airy 
appearance, somewhat resembling the seeds of grasses. 

HABROTHAMNUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 85°). 

The following graceful species are greenhouse plants of easy 
cultivation. They may be trained as vines or as small trees. 
Grow in fibrous loam and a little sand; they are among the gay- 
est of slirul)s, with their iianicles of red and purple flowers, which 
are borne in profusion. Propagated from cuttings: H. elegans, 
flowers bright carmine or purpk ; H. coecineus, bright scarlet, 
tassel-like flowers. Both varieties are good winter bloomers. 

HANGING BASKET, VASE AND TRELLIS PLANTS. Select 
list, page 40. 

HEDERA. See Ivy. 

HELIANTHUS— Sun Flower {Hardy Annual), 

A well-known genus of rather coarse, large flowering plants for 
the garden, which can be rendered useful in mixed collections of 
tall growing Ricinus, Cannas, etc., in beds in the back-ground. 
There are double and single varieties, all of which may be grown 
with the greatest ease by sowing the seed where they are to 
bloom. There are also some hardy perennial species. 

HELICHRYSUM— Everlasting Flower {Hardy Annual). 

Everlasting flowers of great merit for winter bouquets and 
other indoor decorations, as well as for their beauty in the flower 
garden in the summer. There are several beautiful and even 
brilliant colors and shades, including dark purple, yellow, orange, 
white, bright rose, etc. Some of the colors are not common to 
the other families of everlastings. The flowers also being very 
doul)le, should not be overlooked by the cultivator who is seeking 
good kinds for drying. Cut the flowers before they are fully 



THE HOME FLORIST. 23 1 

expanded, and also cure some of the buds, which make up beau- 
tifully, and are desirable for variety. The young plants trans- 
plant readily; the seed may be sown in the hot-bed or in the 
house in April, afterwards setting the seedlings out at a distance 
of a foot apart. 

HELIOTROPE {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 85°). 

This is an important plant either for pot culture or bedding 
out. The flowers, which are freely produced, are prized for 
their delicate colors, they being colors that are rare among choice 
flowers - but, above all, for their delicious, vanilla-like odor, 
which has given to the plant a great reputation among fra- 
grant flowers. The plants make a rapid growth in the open air 
and bear an immense number of flowers until frost. For winter 
blooming in the window or conservatory it is best to start with 
young plants of the spring previous, or some propagated from 
young shoots in May or June. Such will make strong plants by 
the first of October, provided they have been brought along in 
rich soil, and have never become badly pot- bound before receiving 
a shift into larger pots; and always amply supplied with water. 
For winter flowers the Heliotrope should be given the most sunny 
exposure that can be afforded, providing it is sufficiently warm, 
as they will not tluive in much shade. Wa?h the foliage occa- 
sionally and see that no red spider attacks the plants. The soil 

should contain a small portion of sand. The Heliotrope can be 

grown to a great age by training the shoots to a trellis, but its 

culture is more satisfactory, with plants that are renewed each 

year, and then keeping them bushy, by pinching back. 

H. B. Pfitzer — Lavender rose, shaded. 

H. Cardinal Richelieu — Bright bluish lavender. 

H. Caroline des Antoines — Lilac-blue. 

H. Chieftain — Light blue; exceedingly fine. 

H. Due de Lavendary — Rich blue, dark eye. 

H. Florence Nightingale— Ijight lavender. 

H. Incomparable — Light; Aery fragrant. 

H. Jtdiette — Dark violet; the darkest sort. 

H. Mrs. Burgess — Deep lilac. 

H. Snoio Wreath — Pure white; fragrant; the best of its color. 

H. Swanley Giant — The color might be termed a carmine rose. 
The size of the truss is immense, often measuring ten 
inches in diameter, and of the most exquisite fragrance. 



232 THE HOME FLORIST. 



IIELIPTERUM SANFORDII {Tender Anitual). 

A choice and distinct everlasting flower, growing less than one 
foot in height, with large, globular clusters of liriglit golden yel- 
low, star-like flowers, which, individually, are of small size. 
Very desirable for winter bouquets, and cutting fresh in summer. 
Sow in heat and transplant to the garden after all danger of frost. 

HESPERIS MATRONALIS ALBA PLENO {Hardy Herbacemis 
Perennial). 

A fine, hardy, herbaceous plant, with spikes of clear, double 
white flowers a foot long, produced in earlj' summer, and which 
are highly esteemed for their fragrance and beauty. 

HETEROCENTRON {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 45, 90°). 

A genus of vigorous growing, free blooming plants of easy cul- 
tivation; they also bed out in the open air with equal facility. 
Pot in good, light, fibrous soil, with plenty of drainage; they are 
a fine class of winter blooming i^lants; propagated by cuttings. 
II. altnim — Long racemes of white flowers, produced freely. 
H. roseum — Color of the flowers pale rose ; a valuable plant. 

HIBISCUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). 

The Chinese Hibiscus are among our most gaudy sub-tropical 
shrubs, with very glossy foliage. They can be grown in tubs and 
kept for years by wintenng over in a warm dry cellar or pit, or 
by placing them in a greenhouse at that season will well repay 
the little care bestowed on them in return for the profusion of 
brilliant bloom tliey will bear. They are also admirably adapted 
for bedding in the open border during summer, and under the 
hottest sun will produce gorgeously colored flowers of enormous 
size, averaging five or six inches in diameter. They make noble 
specimen plants and are easily propagated from cuttings. 
H. anranticnm j)lena —Do\ih\e orange, salmon flowers. 
H. Coopcri tricolor — Foliage beautifully variegated witli dark 

green, pink and wliite; flovvei-s crimson. 
7/. Collcrii — A remarkably new distinct variety, introduced from 
the South Sea Islands. Flowers buff yellow, with a crim- 
son scarlet base, and particularly handsome. 
H, Denison l-rosea — Large single flowers; clear, transparent rose, 
changing to purq \\lute, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



'33 




Hibiscus. 

H. grandiflorus — Rich glossy foliage, blooming profusely through 
the summer, literally covering the plant with scarlet-crim- 
son single flowers. 

H. miniatus semi-plena — The finest and most brilliant, semi-dou- 
ble vermilion scarlet flowers: petals waved and recurved 
and very handsome. 

H. magnijicus — Very large flower and of perfect form; color deep 
magenta, ends of the petals touched with brown; foliage 
finely toothed. 

H. rosa sinensis — Flowers red and very large, averaging nearly 
five inches in diameter. 

H. rvhra plena — A magnificent double variety, with large red 
flowers. 

H. Schizopetalu^—F\ov:ers drooping, with reflected orange-red 
laciniated petals : a curious and valuable variety. 

H, siib-i'iolaceous — Flowers enormous ; semi-double, clear car- 
mine, tinted -with violet ; probably the largest flower in the 
Hibiscus (Chinensis) family, and anunusuaUy free bloomer. 
It is a pleasure to recommend this fine plant. 



>34 THE HOME FLORIST. 



H. versicolor — A A-ariety combining in its flowers all colors of the 

whole family, being handsomely striped, crimson, buff 

rose and white. 
H. 2;e6/-('/(H.s— Double, outer petals scarlet, edged with yellow; 

inner petals very irregular, curiously variegated, with 

creamy-yellow and scarlet. 

HOLLYHOCK {Hardy Herbaeous Perennial). 

A well-known and splendid hardy plant for the garden, rank- 
ing witli the Dahlia for summer decoration, and, from its stately 
growth and the vai"ied colors of its maguiUcent spikes of flowers, 
may justly demand a place in every collection where suitable sit- 
uations for its tall growth are found. It may be perpetuated 
from the seed, or bj' dividing the roots. The plants flower the 
second year, from seed sown in the spring or before the flrst of 
September. To increase it by division, the stalks should be cut 
down in August, afterwards dividing the roots with a sharp 
knife. They are impatient of a wet soil and will winter badly 
unless grown where it is dry, a well drained light rich soil being 
best suited to them. 

HONEYSUCKLE— Woodbine Lonicera {Hardy Cliviber). 

The Honeysuckles are among the most desirable of all our hard 
climbers. Certain it is that the associations connected with the 
fragrant Honeysuckle will make them always popular. Among 
flowers none are more classic in flower-lore. For real home vines, 
to be near you, clambering over your windows and doorways, 
there is nothing prettier or more desirabh^ tlian fine, sweet-scented 
Honeysuckles ; the foliage is pretty, neat and clean, the flowers 
almost continuous and their fragrance delicious. Propagated 
from cuttings. 
H. Chinese Evergreen— This variety blooms nearly all the season 

and is deliciously fragrant ; flowers bulf-yellow and white; 

retains its foliage during winter, making it very desirable. 
H. Aurea reficnhitn or Golden-Lcmrd Hoiicysnckh' — A variety 

with beautiful variegated foliage; the leaves are netted and 

veined with clear yellow, flowers yellow and fragrant. 

This variety is somewhat tender and requires slight pro^ 

taction. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 235 

H. Hallia)ia—(H.a\Vs Jai)an) — This species is the most constant 
bloomer of the class, being literally covered all summer 
with its beautiful yellow and white flowers, which are very 
fragrant. 

H. Red Coral or Scarlet Trumpet — This is the old well-known 
variety ; it is a rapid grower, the flowers are bright red and 
t lumpet-sh aped . 

H. European Sweet-scented (Belgian) — A fine liardy grower; flow- 
ers large and exceedingly sweet; color bluff, yellow and 
red; a constant bloomer; the finest Honeysuckle; suitable 
for trellis or pillar. 

H. Yellow Truvipet (flava) — A flne grower, yellow flowers. 

HOYA CARNOSA— Wax Plant {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 
50, 90 ). 

A pot plant of climbing habit, with finely formed, thick, waxy 
foliage, and well adapted to window and conservatory cul- 
ture. The flowers, which are produced in clusters, have a pearly, 
wax-like appearance, and are star-shaped, with a pink or crimson 
center. The plants are of easy culture and continue to increase 
in beauty for years if provided with suitable trellis for supjiort. 
The Hoya does not require much water, when growing in the 
window, it should have its foliage cleaned of accumulating dust 
occasionally. There is also a variegated variety; foliage deep 
green, broadly bordered and margined with pink and pui'e white. 
Both varieties easily propagated from cuttings. 

HYACINTH {Hardy Bulb). 

The Hyacinth is a well-known genus of those hardy bulbs that 
are planted in the fall and which flower early in the spring. In 
common with the Tulip, Crocus, etc., it is adapted for winter 
flowering in the window or conservatory, and is preferred above 
all other bulbs for such purposes. The flowers are very fragrant, 
of beautiful forms, both double and single, possess attractive col- 
ors, and remain beautiful for a great length of time, either wlien 
forced or in the open air. In the garden they should he planted 
six or eight inches apart and four inches deep. On pages 32 and 
52 will be found directions for cultivating the Hyacinth, and 
other bulbs of similar requirments, in the garden and in pots for 
winter blooming. 



2X6 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Hyacinth, 



HYDRANGEA {Greenhouse Perennial and Hardy Shrub, 32, 

45, tO). 

A species of woody shrubs, generally hardy throughout the 

Middle States when protected, with the exception of Pauiculata 

grandillora, which is perfectly hardy. They do the best in a 

cool, moist and shady situation; propagated by cuttings. 

H. Hortcusis variegata — Is a somewhat rare and beautiful variety 

of the preceding, with the foliage distinctly blotched with 

clear white upon green. It is readily grown and forms one 

of the most delightful vai'iegated house plants which caii 

be cultivated, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 237 

H. Hortensis -Is a well-known pot plant, and much esteemed for 
its great profusion of elegant but monstrous flower-heads, 
which pass in rotation through several shades of pink col- 
ors, and remain upon the plant for months. The plants 
succeed rather better in a shady place than where it is 
sunny, on which account they are valuable for house cul- 
ture. The pot plants require a plentiful suj^ply of water 
during their season of growth and flowering. Being toler- 
ably hardy, in the Southern States it may be planted in the 
open air and remain out during winter with protection, 
and here it will flower profusely from June to October. 

H. Thomas Hogg — The immense trusses of flowers are first 
slightly tinged with green, becoming of the purest white 
and remaining so a long time; the florets are of good sub- 
stance and of fine texture, making them very desirable for 
decorative purposes; the clusters, when well grown, are 
very large, being fi-om twelve to eighteen inches across. 

H. Schizophragma hydrangeoides (New Climbing)— A new vari- 
ety from Japan. Mr. Thomas Hogg describes it as grow- 
ing in its native wilds to the height of fiftj^ feet, producing 
corymbs of white flowers similar to the ordinary Hydran- 
gea. It climbs exactly like Ivy, and one can imagine the 
effect of a wall or a tree so covered while in full bloom. 
Eeported to be perfectly hardy. 

H. paniculata grandiJJora — This is one of the most valuable 
hardy shrubs in cultivation. It attains a height of three or 
four feet, and is perfectly hardy in all parts of ohe country. 
The flowers are white, borne in immense pyramidal pani- 
cles nearly a foot in length. The plants should be cut back 
every Spring at least one-half of the last season's growth, 
as the flowers are borne on new wood and are much finer 
when the plants are treated in this way. Fine for cemetery 
decoration. 

H. Otaksa — A splendid variety from Japan. Flowers large, 
bright pink, tinted with blue; produced very freely. 

ICE PLANT. (See Mesembryanthemum.) 
IBERIS. (See Candytuft.) 
IMPATIENS SULTANI {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 55, 90°). 
This is one of the most distinct and beautiful of -all flowering 
plants of recent introduction, either as a winter-blooming 



238 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



pot-plant, or for bedding in the border in the summer. It is of a 
compact neat habit of growth, with good constitution, and a i)er- 
pctual bloomer; the flowers are of a brilliant rosy-scfulet color, of a 
peculiarly distinct but most etfective hue, about one and a half 
inches in diameter, and are produced singly or in twos and threes 
from the axils of the leaves, especially toward the summit of the 
stems, but so freely that a well-grown specimen ajipears to be 
quite a ball of flowers. It propagates by cuttings. 



IPOMCEA (Tender Annual). 



A splendid family of climbers, uith which the Morning Glory 
is classed by some, although all the varieties, besides, are more 
tender than this well-known climber. Our seasons are rather 
short in the North to derive great satisfaction from the tcLder 
kinds, unless they are brought forward in heat. By sowing the 
seed in March or April and cultivating in pots, or transplanting, 
with great care, to a sheltered situation in the ground after June 
first, they will amply rei)ay all the care bestowed upon them, and 
will, by this means, flower profusely until frosts. There will be 
little use of sowing the seeds in the open ground before the last 
of May, as the soil must be warm to enable them to germinate. 
The seeds are hard, and previous to sowing should be soaked in 
boiling water, and allowed to remain until the water is cold. The 
Ipomoeas are very desirable plants for cultivation in pots for con- 
servatory decoration. Under any ciiTumstances, they require a 
soil well enriched with rotten manure. 

I. eocciiwa (Star Ipoma^a) — Is a handsome variety of free 
growth and profuse blooming habits, especially after mild 
summer. The product consists of small, bright scarlet 
flowers that are very attractive. This species does quite 
well ordinarily, by sowing in the open ground, towards the 
end of May. 
I. Jiederacea grandiflora — Includes several beautiful varieties, 
with flowers somewhat similar to the Morning Cilory, but 
much larger and of the most delicate colors, such as light 
blue, blue witli a white edge, blue with a purple center, 
white with pink center, and white shaded with purplish 
red. They are exceedingly handsome and well repay the 
care necessary to rear them. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 239 



I. Quamoclit (Cypress Vine) — Is an exceedingly beautiful variety, 
that, for elegance of foliage, gracefulness of habit, and 
loveliness of flowers, is without a rival among annual 
climbing plants, but it is quite tender. There are varieties 
with scarlet, white and rose-colored flowers, all of which 
open in the morning, and contrast delightfully with the 
rich green, delicately cut foliage. 

IPOMGEA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80°). 

I. Mortonii—A. valuable vine or creeper, w^ell suited either for 
climbing on trellis work or drooping over the sides of bas- 
kets or vases; flowers pinkish lilac. 

I. noctiphiton (Evening Glory, or Moon Flower)— As a climber of 
rapid growth to cover arbors, verandas, old decayed trees 
or walls, it has no superior. Its flowers are pure w-hite, 
five inches in diameter, moon-like and as they expand at 
night have a striking effect : both of the greenhouse varie- 
ties are propagated by cuttings. 

IRIS— Flower de Luce {Bulbous Hardy Perennials). 

Garden plants of elegant habit and beautiful flowers, compris- 
ing several divisions— those most commonly met with being the 
English and Sjmnish Iris, wliich are bulbous, and the German 
Iris, which are the well-known hardy, tuberous perennials, gen- 
erally going by the name of Flag Lily, and which thrive in any 
garden soil. 

English and Spanish Iris. — This division includes numerous 
varieties, flowering in June, which embrace the most delicate 
shades of liglit and dark blue, brown, purple, yellow, white and 
variously striped and spotted flowers of exceedingly handsome 
appearance. The bulbs should be planted in the Autumn, with 
Hyacinths, Tulips and other hardy bulbs (see directions, page 32), 
and need not be taken up oftener than once in three years. These 
are also desirable for pot culture in winter (see " Culture of Hya- 
cinths and other Hardy Bulbs for Winter Decoration," page 52). 
The English varieties are of more robust habits than the Spanish, 
but in other respects quite similar. 

German Iris.— These are valuable plants for the garden, being 
of the easiest culture in any soil, and producing many beautiful 
flowers in the Spring. There are numerous varieties, of almost 
as many colors and shades, including yellow, blue, purple, white 



240 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



and salmon— some distinctly of one color, and others striped, 
spotted and tipped with various colors. The tubers grow rapidly 
and should be taken up once every three or four years, and be 
re-set. 



ISOLEPSIS GRACILIS (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 55, 85°). 

A small genus of very pretty, low-growing, fine, rush-like 
grasses; they are peculiarly adapted for hanging baskets, vases, 
window boxes, etc. One variety is plain green, and another sort 
is green with a bluish or white caste, wliich makes it very effec- 
tive; increased by division. 

IVY — Hedera {Hardy and Tender Perennials). 

Sometimes I think the reason 
wliy Ivies are not grown in 
every house is, because ama- 
teurs have not all become ac- 
quainted with their perfect 
adai)tability to house culture. 
In the first place the Ivy natur- 
allj" delights in a situation. par- 
tially or wholh" shaded from 
the su'.i, which allows of its be- 
ing giown or trained in any 
part of the room, and at a dis- 
tance from the window. Tiien 
again, wholly unlike most 
plants, the Ivies are not at all 
particular as regards tempera- 
ture, or whether the atmos- 
phere is dry or damp. Frosts 
do not affect the plants as they are evergreen, and all the varie- 
ties are nearly, some quite hardy in the latitude of Buffalo, wliile 
on the other liand, they will all bear 7.")' or upwards of lu-at with 
impunity. The plant requires but little attention, is exception- 
ally free of insects and would continue to thrive for a long time 
under neglect that would kill most other plants outright. It is 
true the Ivy ordinarily bears no flowers, but the foliage presents 
a remarkably bright and glossy appearance, and is of an attrac- 
tive green color, exce[)t where variegated or l)lotchi'(l; besides in 




THE HOME FLORIST. 24I 



the different varieties numerous distinct and interesting forms 
and variegations exist permanently, on which account we do not 
mind the lack in this respect. The Ivy is a very tractable cUmber 
and if planted in a large-sized pot and is kept in the parlor or 
sitting-i'oom, it may be trauied to cover the side of the room or 
ceiling, festoon a pillar, climb and train about a window sill, or 
u^. a wire screen or trellis, and endless other uses. It is also un- 
equaled as a climber or drooper for hanging baskets. As a rule, 
the variegated varieties are of slower growth than the others, 
and not so good for planting where a large space is to be covered 
with foliage, but for pot culture they are excellent. Propagate 
easily from cuttings or by layers. 

H, bicolor — A variety of free growth, the leaves edged with sil- 
very white. 
H. canariensis (English Ivy) — An excellent variety for cultiva- 
tion in the house, being a free grower and very beautiful. 
H. canariensis viarmarata — Very similar to the above, except 
that the foliage is distinctly marbled with silvery white and 
yellow; vigorous. 
H. clivysocarpa — Exceedingly pretty, with narrow, elongated 

leaves; a handsome and free grower. 
H. folia picta — Leaves clearly blotched with golden yellow. 
H. gracilis — A slender, rapid-growing variety, with attractive 
narrow-lobed leaves; by pinching back the ends of shoots, 
to induce a dense growth, it forms a beautiful pot plant 
without a trellis; also superior as a drooper in baskets, etc. 
1±. Helix (Irish Ivy) — The hardiest of all Ivies; leaf similar to 
Canariensis; will thrive unpi'otected in the North, if planted 
where the sun in winter cannot strike it. 
H. japonica argeufea— Silver margmed Japanese; distinct. 
H. latifolia, maculata — A free-growing variety, mai-bled and 

blotched in a very attractive manner. 
H. marginata Cidlissi — Cullis' silver margined; very fine. 
H. marginata elegant issima — Margined with light yellow. 
H. palmata (Palm-leaf Ivy) — An attractive and interesting Ivy, 

with beautifully defined foliage. 
H. poetica (Poet's Ivy) — A handsome variety, of beautiful form 

of leaf and growth. 
H. regneriana — Very large leaves of roundish outline and massive 

growth. 
H. rhomba variegata — Silver margined, distinct and beautiful. 



242 Tin-: HOME FLORIST. 



H. conglomerata — A very curious dwarf form of fan-like growth; 
small crested ; erect foliage. 

IVY PARLOR, OR GERMAN. See Senecio. 
IXORA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). 

Among our most splendid flowering plants, requiring a high 
temperature and moist atmosphere. Care must l)e taken to keep 
them free from injurious insects, as they are very liahle to the at- 
tacks of mealy bug and scale. Pot in good sti'ong peat, fibrous 
loam and a little sand. Shade and water must never be neglected. 
They produce their handsome flowers in corymbs of a variety of 
colors; should be more generally grown; propagated from cuttings. 
7. blanda — Very conspicuous scarlet flowers. 
I. cocciiica snperha — Large heads of orange scarlet flo^vers. 
/. Frazeri — Light orange scarlet; elegant. 
I. prince})s — Bright scarlet; brilliant. 
/. regina — Rich violet-salmon color; large trusses. 

JAPANESE STRIPED MAIZE {Tender Annual). 

A plant closely allied and quite similar to the common Indian 
Corn, the foliage of which is beautifully striped throughout its 
entire length witli Avhite of various widths, rendering the jjlant 
very efi'ective when grouped with ("an)ias, Helianthus, Holly- 
hocks, Ricinus, etc., or if planted in ribbon lines. May be started 
in pots about May 1st, or planted where wanted several weeks 
later. The plant retains its attractiveness for a long time, as it 
does not tassel and seed as freely as the common Maize or Indian 
Corn. 

JASMINE OR Jessamine {Greenhouse Perennial and Hardy 
Shrub, 35, 50, 85 ). 

The Jasmine is a favorite greenhouse or house plant everywhere 
north, while in the south it is perfectly hardy. It is the idol of 
the poets and one of the sweetest flowers. Among the species are 
found e(iually desirable subjects for decorating the greenhouse 
and tlie out-door border, combining in every instance freedom 
and elegance with the most delicious fragrance; propagates from 
cuttings. 



1 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



243 




JasnAne, or Gardenia. 

J, Radicavs — A narrow-leaved variety of the Cape Jasmine; very 
fragrant double white flowers. 

J. Mrsutum — Produces its pure white flowers in great abund- 
ance ; very fragrant. 



244 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



J. ijrandijlornm (Catalonian Jasmine) — A plant for pot culture; 
of climbing habit, with delicately cut foliage, and which is 
much esteemed for the fragrance of its pure w-liite single 
flowers. Fine for winter flowering in a warm light window 
or in the conservatory; it can be trained to a stake or 
trellis, ov be planted for twining up pillars. The soil in 
which it is grown should be loose and of a fertile character. 

J. Maid of Orleans — Very large, creamy white, fragrant flowers. 

J. Grand Duke of Tuscany— The finest of all double Jasmines for 
scent, which is quite distinct from any other flower; blos- 
soms very white and double, resembling white roses, and in 
flower a long time. 

J. poetica — Similar to the Catalonian Jessamine; flowers smaller, 
but borne on larger spikes. The leaves are larger, and it is 
a stronger grower; makes a most valuable climbing plant, 
though, if desired, it can be grown in bush form; fragrant. 

./, revohitum — A yellow-flowered Jessamine, growing rapidly to 
tlie height of from ten to twenty feet. A splendid plant 
for the Southern States, as it is hardy south of Maryland; 
very fragrant. 

J. mnltijlorum — The flowers, which are pure white, are borne in 
clusters. It flowers freely, and as a house i)lant it is un- 
equaled, blooming constantly from early fall until summer. 
It requires plenty of light and will thrive in considerable 
heat, making fine specimens and producing thousands of 
flowers. 

J. nndiflorum — Hardy, blooming very early; yellow flowers. 

J. ojjicinale — Flowers pure white and (juite fragrant ; it grows 
from four to six feet in height. Tlieconimcm white JasTuine 
of our gardens. 

J. Sanibac — Very double, white; very fragrant; hot-house plants. 

J. frutescens — A hardy shrub, yellow flowers, slender shoots; 
very free blooming. 

J. GracilUmuin (New)— Exceedingly floriferous; a flowering 
slioot is produced from eveiy joint, which terminates in a 
dense cluster of pure white fragrant flowers, blooming from 
October to February. 

J. trifolidta — An imjiroved variety' of the Grand Duke Jasmine 
style; very free bloomer, very fragrant and double white. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 245 

CAPE JASMINE— Gardenia Florida. 
Well known for its deliciovis fragi^ance and the beauty of its 
flowers, which are white and double; shaped like miniature 
CamelUas. 

JONQUIL. (See Narcissus.) 

JUSTICIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). 

An upright growing pot-plant of free growth, crowned with 
terminal spikes of flowers nearly the wliole year. The plants are 
easily grown in any soil, but should be well drained with pot- 
sherds or gravel, and there should be abundant pot room; propa- 
gated from cuttings. 

J. carnea — Produces beautiful spikes of a rosy-pink color. 
J. hydrangoides — Large flowers; lilac ami white. 
J. sanguinea — Large spikes of a beautiful dark red. 

KENILWORTH IVY. (See Linaria.) 

KLEINIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 45, 80°). 
A genus of African succulents, with fleshy stems and thick 
candelabra-like branches; fine for ornamental gardening. They 
love heat and dislike dampness. Pot in peaty rough loam and 
sand; propagate from cuttings. 

K. articulata or Candle Plant— A dwarf, glaucous, bluish-green 
plant; a great curiosity. 

LADY'S EAR DROP. (See Fuchsia.) 

LAGERSTRCEMIA or CRAPE MYRTLE {Greenhouse Perennial, 

83, 45, 85'). 

Neat woody shrubs bearing elegant flowers during Summer. 
They need tlie protection of a cool greenhouse or even cellar dur- 
ing winter. Use sandy loam and some peat. Propagated from 
cuttings. 
L. Tiidica — A neat little tree bearing exquisitely fringed pink 

flowers. Petals curiously curved. 
L. Indica Alba — Same as above, but white flowers. 

LANTANA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 90"). 

These desirable plants are annually growing in favor, both for 
bedding purposes and pot culture. They are of robust growth, 



246 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



and profuse blooming habits, with flowers of good colors, which 
qualities, together, render them worthy of a place in every col- 
lection. The flowers, while somewliat resembling those of the 
Verbena, are produced on shrub-like plants, and present the 
most delicate shades of orange, sulphur, creamy white, and 
other colors which are not found in that plant. The flowers of 
the Lantana are also interesting from tlie fact of their changing 
from one distinct color to another on the same plant, as they 
develop. In the house they should be placed in a light, warm 
place; are particularly useful for Avirdow culture, as they will 
thrive in a dryer atmosphere than most plants will stand. By 
proper pruning, the plants may be grown to handsome shapes. 
Propagate easily from cuttings. 
L. alba perfecta -Pure white; verj' fine. 
L. Comtesse de Biencourt— Flowers bright rose and yellow; c-enter 

sulphur, dwarf and bushy. 
L. La P liter cV Or— Small, pure yellow flowers: very dwarf and 

bushy; very abumlant bloomer. 
L. Michael ScJimidt— Flowers fresh and sparkling, of a brilliant 

yellow, passing into jmrple vermilion. 
L. Toisoii d 'Or —Very free flowering; deep chrome yellow. 

changing to purplish-red. 
L. M»e d 'Or -A new variety; orange and crimson flowers, and 

golden variegated foliage. 
L. Innocence— Dwurf; light suljihur, changing to pure white. 
L. Le Pa^rjo^e- Brilliant yellow, with fiery center, changing to a 

dark scarlet; very beautiful. 
L. Jacques 3Iinot— Orange, changing to bright orange-yellow ; 

always in bloom. 
L. Triomphe de Coinnierce— Bronzy-yellow; red center, tinted 

with lilac; very dwarf, and an excellent variety. 
L. Giselle— Yery large flowers; rich purple rose, and light yellow 

center. 
L. Reveil Pure white, golden-yellow center; very large trusses 

and flowers. 
L. Marechal Alac Malum— The very finest Lantana ever raised; 

trusses as large as those of Verbenas; flowers bright crim- 
son and gold. 
L. Golconda—iidffron, changing to soft orange; very distinct. 
L. Diadenie-'Ro^.e color, sometimes sliaded with y»'llow in the 

center; delicate and distinct. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 247 

L. Don Calmet — Lilac, orange center. 

L. La'lis — Small white flowers ; wonderfully free ; of strong 

growth. 
L. Califoniie — Very dwarf, seldom growing more than six or 

eight inches high; flowers dark rich yellow. 
L. Jamts — Deep yellow, passing into rose. 
L. delicatissima — A fine old variety; lilac white eye; one of the 

best. 

LAVENDULA CRISTATA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 90°). 

A neat, compact, pot and bedding plant, also useful in baskets, 
vases, etc., of the easiest culture. The leaves are of au ashy 
green, an inch long, nearly round, of a singularly notched appear- 
ance, seeming to have been shaped in a mould. Propagates 
from cuttings. 

LARKSPUR. (See Delphinium.) 

LAURESTINUS {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, 90°). 

A shrubby perennial for pot culture, that blooms freely only in 
the winter and spring. The flowers are pure white, produced in 
large flattened panicles, and are universally esteemed. The foli- 
age is deep green, smooth and of jDretty form. It is quite hardy, 
and in the South will stand the winters with slight protection. 
The plant always assumes a handsome form, and is seldom 
troubled with insects. In summer the pots should be moved to 
the open air. Propagated by cuttings. 

LEMON. (See Orange and Lemon.) 

LEMON VERBENA. (See Aloysia Citriodora.) 

LEPTOSIPHON {Hardy Annual). 

A charming class of free-blooming annuals of the easiest cul- 
ture from seed. They are of bushy growth and produce an 
abundance of small flowers of remarkably distinct colors. Sow 
the seed where they ai'e to bloom early in the spring, or it may be 
done the fall previous. 

L. Aureus -Is less than six inches high and spreads to the width 
of one foot. Very handsome as an edging plant, being 
covered with a profusion of exceedingly pretty, little yel- 
low flowers with dark centers, which give them a singularly 
rich appearance. 



248 THE HOME FLORIST. 

L. densifloriis <tlbus — One foot high, pure wliite; very useful for 
loose bouquets. There is also a rosj' lilac variety similar to 
this, but being of less desirable color is not so greatly 
esteemed. 

L. hijbridtts— French hybrids of pretty appearance, wliich 
embrace yellow, orange, rose, purple and other colors. 

LIBONIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45 or 50, 85"). 

Neat growing, winter blooming plants, well adapted for the 
window shelf or conservatory. The flowers, which are about an 
inch in le^gth, are scarlet orange at the base, running into deep 
yellow at the top, somewhat similar to tlie Cigar flower, but 
larger. They are i)roduced freely under ordinary circumstances, 
and are quite certain of affording pleasure to the cultivator. 
Tlie plants are of the easiest culture, any well enriclied soil suit- 
ing them. A frost among plants of sufficient severitj' to injure 
many, would leave this unharmed. Propagated by cuttings. 
L. floribunda — Beautiful yellow and orange-colored bloom. 
L. Penrhosiensis ■ A dwarf er fomi, and lighter colored flowers. 

LILAC. (See Syringa.) 

LILIUM— Lily {Hardy Perennial Bulb). 

The Lilium genus, including the numerous suiJerb species from 
Japan, are eminently valuable garden plants, and no collection 
can be so limited but that some of the choicer varieties at least 
should be included. They jiossess many desirable qualities, be- 
ing, witli a few exceptions, perfectly haray; easy of culture in 
any dry soil, continuing to increase in strength and beauty for 
many years, and, above all, are of matchless colors. The variety 
L. loiKjiJJorum affords one of the principal exceptions to their 
being entirely hardy, and this one will stand the winter well, 
with a protection of strawy manure on the roots, applied late in 
the fall, after the ground is frozen. Such a covering is desirable 
for all the varieties, and especially newly planted ones. Lilies 
may be planted eitlier in tlie fall months or early in tlie spring. 
Avoid applying rank manure to the soil, which is apt to cause a 
diseased condition in the bulbs. They shoidd be set deep, the toj) 
of the bulbs not less than six inches below the surface. This is 
essential, in order that the roots wliich su]i]iort the flowering 
shoot, and which being above the bulb, may be fully protected 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



249 




Liliain Loiigiflonim. 

from the sun in summer. They should be allowed to remain sev- 
eral years without resetting, if possible. The various Lilies can 
also be cultivated to a great degree of perfection in pots, with 
ordinary care. 

L. atrosanguineuvi — Orange red, blotched and marbled. 
L. auratum (Golden Banded Japan Lily) — This Lily is of re- 
markable size and magnificence, usually measuring nearly 
a foot across. It is delicately fragrant, and is comjjosed of 
six petals (so called) of ivoiy whiteness, each thickly stud- 
ded with crimson spots, and having a golden band length- 
wise through its centre. The plant will succeed in any dry 
deep soil, but cannot be considei'ed quite as robust as most 
of the other sorts, yet is not very delicate. 
L. tigrinum (Tiger Lily) — A well-known strong gTOwing variety, 
the flowers of which are orange spotted with black. Anew 
variety of tliis desirable old sort has been introduced, hav- 
ing double flowers. 



250 THE HOME FLORIST. 



L. catnUdmn — Is the ordinary fragrant White Lily, frequently 
found in cultivation. It ilovvers about the first of July on 
stems three or four feet high, and a mass of the plants are 
always belield with admiration. Tliere is a double flower- 
ing variety of this sort which, however, will not compare 
with the single in point of desirability. 

L. Utncifolium album, roseum and ritbrmn — Are introductions 
from Japan, of the very highest merit for garden culture. 
The three varieties are quite similar in form, but vary in 
color — the former being pure Avhite of great i)urity and 
beauty, but the plant is a little delicate in character. The 
two latter varieties are almost alike in appearance, the 
flowers being of an ivory white ground, spotted in rose and 
red, and quite fragrant. They are hardy and flower in Au- 
gust: strong plants producing numerous flowers on stalks 
three feet high. 

L. loiigiflorum— Is a snowy white, trumpet-shaped flower, five 
inches in length. Although a vigorous variety, it should 
be treated as being not quite hardy. This variety is per- 
haps the best one for forcing to flower in the winter in the 
window or conservatory. (See engraving.) 

L. Washingtonianum — An interesting species fron\ California and 
Oregon. It produces delicately fragrant, pendulous flowers 
which are pure white shaded with lilac. 

L. tenuifolium — Although not a new variety, this dazzling little 
gem is worthy of all praise. It blooms out of doors about 
the third week of May, and its graceful wax-like flowers of 
a lovely vermilion scai'let, cannot fail to impart unalloyed 
pleasure to all lovers of the beautiful in nature. It is easily 
grown and perfectly hard}'. 

L. Harrisii — The great value of this Lily consists in its earlinesa 
and free-blooming (jualities, and the superiority of the indi- 
vidual flower. The flowers are larger than those of L. 
longiflorum, and the curled points of the petals give it ad- 
ditional beauty; color pure white and very fragrant. This 
new Lily has the vahiable i)eculiarit3' of flowering from 
two to four times in succession without rest; a single i)lant 
frecpiently has as many as 30 flowers on it at one time; 
plants have b(>en exhibited with over one hundred blooms; 
its height is only 12 to 20 inches. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



251 



LILY OF THE VALLEY— Convallaria Majallis {Hardy Per- 
ennial). 

For a combination of such 
charming qualities as elegance, 
purity, grace and fragrance in 
a small compass, this little 
flower is without a true ri^■al 
in the garden, and it has been 
esteemed as a favorite for ages. 
The flowers are pure white, 
bell shaped, and less than one- 
third of an inch across. They 
droop gracefully, each on its 
own curved stalklet, from the 
side of an upright stem six, 
and upw-ards, inches long, sup- 
porting a dozen or more of the 
flowers. The leaves, which 
spring from the root, are, in 
themselves most elegant, being 
large and smooth, of a luxvu-i- 
ant green, and furnish an ad- 
mirable accompaniment to the 
flowers in choice floral ar- 
rangements. Flowers may be 
had easily in the winter in the 
window and conservatory, by 
taking up and potting clumps 
of the roots in the fall, and af- 
ter subjecting them to several 
severe freezes, bringing them 
into a heat of forty-five or fifty 
degrees, in the night-time, and 
giving them an abundance of 
water. In our large cities much 
Lily of the Valley. attention is paid to forcing this 

plant in this way, as the flowers are eagerly sought, at remun- 
erative prices by lovers of choice flowers during all the winter 
months. The plants are perfectly hardy and succeed well in 
a shady place, in any garden soil, flowering in May and June. 




252 THE HOME FLORIST. 



They increase rapidly by their slender roots, which spread to a 
considerable distance. Altogether niaj' be considered one of the 
most desirable plants in rultivation. 

LINARIA {Hardy Perennial). 

Herbaceous plants, of which the well-known jellow Toad-flax 
is a type. The following species is a neat little vine with numer- 
ous small white and lilac flowers. Easily grown in light soil from 
seed. 

L. C(ymbaZa7na(Kenil worth Ivy) — Suitable for baskets, etc. 
L. cymbalaria variegnfa — Same as preceding, laithas beautifully 
variegated foliage of white green and pink. 

LINUM {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). 

Where yellow flowers are desired in the winter there is no 
plant that will give more satisfaction than this one; it is of easy 
culture and a constant bloomer, being at times literally covered 
with bright yellow. 
L. flavuni — Bears large yellow flowers which are two inches in 

diameter on a bush about one foot in height, of very neat 

habit. Propagates from cuttings. 

LIVE FOR EVER. (See Sedum.) 
LOBELIA {Greenhouse and Hardy Perennials, 33, 45 80°). 

The Lobelias are universally admired, and the drooping varie- 
ties are used to an extent, probably, second to no other plant in 
cultivation, for planting in hanging baskets and similar decora- 
tive arrangements. Their graceful, drooping and free blooming 
habit renders them especially valuable for such purposes, as 
under favorable circumstances, the flowers are produced by hun- 
dreds for a long time. They are equally desirable as pot plants, 
forming a dense mass of drooping foliage and flowers over tlie 
edge of the pot, in a most pleasing manner. The Lobelias are 
among our most suitable plants for window culture, as they 
flower quite constantly and do about as well in shady places, as 
in the full sun, while their delight in an abundance of moisture in 
the soil, is here easily afforded them. "When bedded out in a 
partially shaded place they flower during the entire season, so 
profusely, as to render them very useful, for ribboning or mass- 
ing in certain places and where low growing plants are desired. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 253 



This is especially true in a wet season, or if the soil is frequently 

watered. The plants proj^agate from cuttings and seeds. 

L. cardinalis (Cardinal Flower) — A splendid, hardy native plant, 

of excellent upright habit ; producing spikes of brilliant 

scarlet flowers, of a dazzling hue ; excellent either for pot 

culture or for bedding. 
L. erinus grandis— 'Large blue; in every way excellent as a 

drooper for hanging baskets, vases, etc., or for pot culture. 
L. erinus Paxtonia— Similar to the preceding, but is blue, with 

a white eye. 
L. Miss Murphy — a neat dwarf grower ; very beautiful, either as 

a pot plant or for planting in beds and borders. It grows 

to a dense globular tuft, six inches in diameter, and can be 

trimmed to any desired shape. 
L. alba maxima — Snowy white flowers of drooping spreading 

habit. 

LONICERA. (See Honeysuckle.) 

LOPEZIA (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 80°). 

This is a genus of very handsome plants from Mexico, valu- 
able from the fact that they bloom in winter, at wiiich time they 
are completely covered with small, bright flowers. Propagated 
by cuttings or from seed. 
L. rosea — A most profuse and persistent winter-bloomii;g plant; 

flowers fine rose color. 
L. alba — Same as preceding but bearing white flowers. 

LOPHOSPERMUM SCANDENS (Greenhouse Perennial, 
35, 50, 85°). 

A vine of rapid growth and beautiful dark green foliage, excel- 
lent for covering fences or outhouses in summer ; attains a height 
of twenty feet. It is also valuable for pot culture, and bears a 
profusion of large rosy purple flowers, somewhat in the shape of 
Gloxinias. Propagates from cuttings. 

LOTUS JACOBEUS (Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 85°). 

This is a great curiosity on account of the dark color of the 
flowers, which are, perhaps, nearer black than any other flower, 
and are produced on a graceful plant, having small foliage. 
They are increased from seed. 



254 THE HOMK FLORIST. 



LUPINUS— Lupine {Hardy Annual). 

A genus of annuals for the garden that are rather showy, and 
wliich flower until after hard frosts ; in fait the beds will fre- 
quently appear at their best late in October and November, after 
most of the smnmer flowers are past their usefulness. Blue, 
white and purple are the principal colors, being distinct in some 
varieties and intermixed with yellow in others. The seed should 
be Kovvn early where they are to bloom. 

LYCHNIS {Hardy Perennial). 

A useful class of hardy gai'den and pot plants, of easy culture 
and free bloomers, which are throughout, exceedingly showy of 
flowers. Some of the varieties are easily grown from seed, flow- 
ering the first season if sown early ; others propagate by division 
of the roots and still others with difficulty from cuttings. They 
delight in a rich soil. 

L. CJialcedonica— Is a tall kind, growing two feet in height, 
which produces in the variety that is mostly cultivated. 
■ lieads of intense light scarlet flowers, and in others white 
and flesh-colored flowers respectively. The plants of this 
genus may be propagated from seed or by dividing the 
roots early in the spring of alternate years ; succeeds best 
if protected during the winter. 
L. fimbriata— Has double pink flowers on stalks a foot high ; 

very showy and desirable and perfectly hardy. 
L. flos citcidi flore alba pleuo (Double White Lychnis)— Is a 
valuable summer bloomer in flower from the middle of 
June until October; flowers pure white, somewhat re- 
sembling a Carnation ; very highly esteemed by cultiva- 
tors. Sliould be protected by a covering of straw or leaves 
at the opening of winter. 
L.flos cKculi 'pleiio (Ragged Robbin)— Is a well-known hardy 
plant, flowering in May, with flowers that are crimson and 
double. 
L. fuhjeiis—ls a hardy species with scarlet flowers and which 

grows one and one-half feet high. 
L. Haageana— Is of dwarfish growth about one foot high, and is 
readily raised from seed. The flowers are large, single and 
embrace white, rose, red and vermilion-colored varieties. 

LYCOPODIUM. (See SelagineUa). 



THE HOME FLORIST. 255 

LYSIMACHIA {Hardy Perennial). 

Herbaceous perennial plants, which, although hardy, are well 
fitted for pot culture. They are very readily grown in good 
turfy loam with a little manure and sand; propagated from seed 
or from cuttings. 
L. clethroides — From Japan, with pure white flowers in curving 

spikes. 
L. numrmdaria (Moneywort) — For baskets or vases; flowers of 

golden yellow. 

LYTHRUM SALICARIA [Hardy Herbaceous Perennial). 

A Lardy garden plant, growing to the height of three feet, and 
producing long attractive spikes of rosy-red flowers in the sum- 
mer; propagates by dividing the roots. 

MADEIRA VINE. (See Boussingaultia.) 

MAHERNIA ODORATA [Greenhovse Perennial, 35, 50, 85°). 

A profuse winter-blooming plant, with golden yellow flowers 
that emit a strong honeyed fragrance. The plant itself is quite 
an ornament with its fine cut foliage; jjropagated by cuttings. 

MANETTIA CORDATA (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 45, 85°). 

Is one of the most beautiful summer-climbing plants, especially 
for pot culture and in training on trellis, bearing crimson scarlet 
flowers in great profusion the entire season; can be dried off in 
the winter; propagates from the root. 

MARANTA (Greenhouse Perennial, 3G, 55 to 60, W). 

Among the most elegant greenhouse plants known to florists. 

being a valuable class of plants for Wardian cases and ferneries, 

requiring a warm, moist atmosphere; propagates by division. 

M. Baraquinii — Silvery gray; centre and margin light green. 

M. bicolor — Pale green leaves, dark spots, purple underneath. 

M. eximia—Bwsii-i; upper surface striped with grayish white; 
under, purplish violet. 

M. faciata— Bright green; broad bands from mid-rib to margin; 
purplish beneath. 

M. leo2)ardina—'Pale green, with oblong blotches of deep green. 

M. 3Iajestica—T>arl:, glossy green, pinkish lines above, purple be- 
neath. 



256 THE HOME FLORIST. 



M. Makoyana — An elegant dwarf, markings deep bottle gi-een; 

underneath, bright wine red. 
M. MassaiKjecnia — Outer portions olive green; middle, delicate 

silvery gray. 
M. luikavs—fihming green, with a white feathery stripe. 
J\I. pardina — Pale green; brown blotches each side of the mid- 
rib. 
M. Porteana — Long bright leaves, white stripes, underside purple. 
M. pulchella— Yery much like the old Zebrina, although more 

dwarf. 
M. Van den Heckii — Dark glossy leaves; mid-rib silvery-white. 
M. zebn na —Lesives striped above and purple beneath. 
MARIGOLD— Tagetes {Hcdf Hardy Annual). 
Well-known free-flowering annuals, with single and double, 
also quilled flowers, of sulphur, orange, brown and striped colors. 
They are raised with the greatest ease from seed sown either in 
heat or where they are to flower. Although there are some very 
rich and showy varieties, which are attractive wherever em- 
ployed, yet the plants will never be ranked among the highest in 
value by cultivators, on account of their rather distasteful fra- 
grance, but still they are too beautiful to be entirely ignored for 
such a reason. 

Tagetes Signata Pumilia — A sjilendid half-hardy annual, 
forming a dense globular mass from one foot to a foot and a 
half in diameter, and producing hundreds of bright yellow and 
orange flowers on the surface of the plant. It is a handsome 
[)lant for the garden, and as easily grown from seed as are the 
common Marigolds. 

MAURANDYA BARCLAY ANA {Greenhouse Perennial, 
33, 45, 85 ). 
Flowers similar to the Snap-dragon, but borne on vigorous, 
slender vines. A popular summer climber of tiie easiest cultiva- 
tion, neetling only good loam and a jn-oper siipjiort. They also 
make splendid climbers for in-door decoration; the colors are vio- 
let, pink, piuple and white; they are easily grown from seed or 
from cuttings. 

MESEMBRYANTHEMUM Including Ice and Dew Plants 
(Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45 to 60, 90'). 
A genus for the most i»art natives of th^ Cape of Good Hope. 
There are many varieties, but the several here noticed are 



J 



THE HOME FLORIST. 2$/ 



the most valuable for ordinary cultivation, and these are highly 
prized wherever introduced. The sorts named are of trail- 
ing habit, and being free growers they prove to be very desirable 
for planting in baskets, vases, etc. They are also excellent for 
pot culture in the window or conservatory, and very handsome 
if bedded, continuing in flower during most of the season, and 
growing with great freedom in rich ground. 

M. chrystallinium (Ice Plant) — This species is noted for the pecu- 
liar cold, icy appearance the foliage presents, the stems and 
leaves throughout having a. frost -like coating, which ren- 
ders the plant very attractive; grown from seed, and should 
be treated as a tender annual. 
M. cordifolium (Dew Plant) — Another species possessing the re- 
markable features of the Ice Plant to a slight extent, but, 
aside of this, is a stronger and handsomer grower, with 
rich-looking foliage, and is covered with a profusion of at- 
tractive small, rosy -pink blossoms almost constantly. This 
is one of the handsomest droojiing plants in cultivation for 
hanging baskets, vases, etc., and also as a trailing bedding 
plant; propagates from cuttings or seed. 
M. cordifolium variegatuni — Similar to the preceding, but in ad- 
dition, the foliage is variegated in creamy white and green, 
which renders it exceedingly pretty for any use to which 
it is suited. 
31. grandiflorum — A variety with round-pointed foliage, produc- 
ing large pink flowers several inches in diameter, more or 
less continually from early spring throughout the season. 

MEYENIA (Greenhouse Shrub, 40, 60, 95°). 
This is one of the most beautiful greenhouse shrubs. The leaves 
are dark green, habit of plant roV)Ust and graceful. It is in bloom 
all through the early spring and summer, at which time it is com- 
pletely covered with its beautiful gloxinia-shaped flowers; propa- 
gates from cuttings. 
M. erecta— Flowers dark blue, getting lighter towards the centre, 

with a yellow throat. 
M. erecta alba — Same as preceding, but white flowers. 

MIGNONETTE— Reseda (Hardy Annual). 

A deliciously fragrant flower, too well-known to require any 
special description. It is easily grown from seed, which may be 



258 THE HOME FLORIST. 



sown very early in the spring where the plants are to flower, and 
then several times later for a succession. The seeds may also be 
sown late in the fall. Every garden should have a bed for cut- 
ting from. Some pots may be started in the summer for winter 
flowering in the window or conservatory. The plants do not 
transplant well. 

MIMOSA SENSITIV A— Sensitive Plant {Tender Annual). 

A remarkable annual cultivated for the curious peculiarity of 
its delicate pinnate leaves, which suddenly close and droop if 
touched or shaken. They open and regain their upright position 
in the course of an hour or two, without the least injury to them- 
selves or the plant for the surprising transition tlirough wliich 
they have passed. The ])lant is only suitable for pot culture, and 
may easily be reared from seed by sowing in a warm window or 
hot bed. 

MIMULUS— Monkey Flower {Half Hardy Perennials). 

Herbaceous plants with sliowy flowers. The following varie- 
ties make interesting greenhouse plants and require plenty of 
fresh air and not too mucli heat or moisture. Grow in light soil 
with a little manure and sand. They are easilj^ raised from seed, 
cuttings, or by division. 

31. moschatns (Musk Plant) — A dwarf plant, with musk odor. 
M. moschatus tigrinus — Flower golden-yellow, with brown spots. 
Musk odor. 

MIRABILIS JALAPA.— Four O'Clock Flower. {Half hardy 

Annual.) 

A very ornamental plant of good habit with glossy bright foli- 
age and fragrant flowers, which mostly open in tlie afternoon, 
hence its appropriate common name. The plant grows to 
several feet in height, and blooms profusely after mid-sunmier. 
The flowers include various colors, such as ditferent shades of 
red, red striped with white, red and yellow, yellow, lilac striped 
with white, violet and white, and sjjort into nuuiy attractive 
variegations. May be raised from seed plantt^d in the Spring 
where the plants are desired, or the roots may be taken up in the 
fall and preserved like Dahlias during winter. The plants sliould 
stand from one to tw o feet apart. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 259 

M. Jalapa folis variegata — A variety of the above, the leaves of 
which are faintly variegated or niarbled ; several diflferent 
colors of flowers. 

M. longiflora alba and violacea — With long, sweet scented flow- 
ers, in the former, pure white with purple below, and in 
the latter violet. 

MONKEY FLOWER. (See Mimulus.) 

MONTBRETIA CROCOSMLEFLORA {Tender Bulb). 

The flowers of this plant, relatively speaking, are of large 
size of an intense orange shade, beautifully formed, and 
sometning in their arrangement on the stem is suggestive of the 
Orchid family. A single plant bears several spikes of flowers, 
each spike having from ten to twelve florets ; it retains its bloom 
for a long time. The florets are very brilliant in fine cut flower 
work. The foliage is somewhat similar to the Gladiolus, but 
radiates like the spars of a fan, the flower spikes also radiating 
with the foliage. A plant of tlie first order, it flourishes in the 
open ground, and is also extremely ornamental as a pot plant. 
It grows to a height of between tAvo and three feet, and is fully 
three feet across the foliage. It is propagated by offsets. 

MORNING GLORY. (See Convolvulus.) 

MUSA OR BANANA 'Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, to 60, 90°.) 

These make very ornamental and showy plants, always attract- 
ing notice either from their enormous size or beautifully varie- 
gated foliage. Some of the sorts bear the Banana of commerce. 
During the hot summer when planted out they grow rapidly and 
luxuriantly, producing a tropical effect on the lawn, terrace or 
flower garden. They can be stored in a light cellar or cool green- 
house during the winter with a covering of soil, or planted in a 
tub, watered sparingly. They are increased from suckers. 
M. Cavendishii— Is a dwarf species, very ornamental ; bearing 
edible fruit. This is the variety commonly grown in green- 
houses ; if kept at a high enough temperature fruit much 
superior to that found in our markets will be produced. 
M. Ensete— The noblest of all plants is this great Abyssinian 
banana. The fruit of this variety is not edible, but the 
leaves are magnificent ; long, broad and massive, of a 
beautiful green, with a broad crimson mid-rib. 



26o 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



M. zebrina — The stem of this Banana is slender and the leaves a 
fine dark green, striped and blotched with bronze, red, pur- 
ple and chocolate ; very effective. 

MUSK PLANT. (See Mimulus Moschatus.) 

MYOSOTIS— FoRQET-ME-NOT {Half Hardy Perennial). 

An old and well-known genus of garden plants, growing about 
six inches high, whicli survive our winters with protection. They 
bear in different varieties blue, yellow and white star-like flt)w- 
ers with bright centers. The flowers are small, but highly 
esteemed for their distinctness and perfection of form. They ap- 
pear in little clusters during the greater jiortion of the season, if 
the plants are grown in moist soil in a somewhat shaded situa- 
tion—a condition also most favorable to their growth. Easily 
raised from seed sown in the early spring or in August. 

MYRSYPHYLLUM ASPARAGOIDES— Smilax (Greenhouse 

Perennial, 33, 45 to 55, 90°.) 

One of the finest tender climbing plants in existence, and with 
care suitable for pot culture in the window. The plant is esteemed 
for the exceeding grace and deUcacy of the vine and its beautiful 
glossy green foliage. Smilax has become conspicuous among 
plants cultivated by florists for foliage alone, and large beds are 
now devoted, summer and winter, to cultivating a supply. Each 
plant is provided with a twine for support, which extends from 
the earth to the roof of the greenhouse, and upon this the 
shoots twine. After the top has been readied, the entire 
length is cut away for use, and another twine is fixed, which 
in turn answers for a support for the new shoots that quickly 
start again from the root. The stems of foliage are usually 
sold by the yard, and are greatly in demand for festooning, 
and also for cutting into short lengths to intermix with cut flowers. 
For window cultivation the plants should be trained to strings or 
trellis, and be kept near the glass. Smilax is closely allied to the 
common garden Asparagus, and like that jjlantwiU bear fre<iuent 
cutting back to the roots. After a large growth has been obtained, 
the plant should be nearly all cut away as soon as the leaves are 
inclined to turn yellow ; the root should then be given a rest for 
a month or two by withholding water almost whollj', after which 
it may be started into a new growth. Bears very fragrant little 
white flowers. Will thrive in any soil ; is propagated from seed. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



261 




Myrsiphyllum Asjjaragoides, or Smila.i\ 



262 THE HOME FLORIST. 

MYRTUS COMMUNIS— Myetle (Greenhouse Perennial, 32, 45 
to 50, 90"). 

This, the true Myrtle, is a pretty pot jjlaut of erect shrubby 
habit, which has been grown and highly esteemed for ages very 
remote. At the present day it is valued by florists for its twigs of 
small dark, smooth foliage, which are a useful green in making 
wedding and funeral bouquets and designs of wliite flowers. 
Besides being sliglitly fragrant the plant bears small white 
flowers quite freely. Of the easist culture in the window or 
conservatoiy. 

NARCISSUS (Hardy Bnlb). 

An early spring flowering bulbous family, which embraces 
numerous forms and colors of flowers, including the well known 
Daffodil and Jonquil. The flowers appear very early, are 
highly ornamental and fragrant. Nearly all are hardy, and should 
be planted in the autumn like the Hyacinth, etc.. but should 
remain in the ground for several years until they have formed 
large clumps, when they may be divided and reset. All the kinds 
are desirable, and some are unequaled for pot culture in the win- 
ter in the window and conservatory (see "Culture of Hardy Bulbs 
for Winter Decoration," page 52). 

Double Narcissus (Daffodil, etc.), include besides the double 
yellow Daffodil, varieties of white (Alba plena odovata) very 
handsome), light yellow, orange and other colors, all of wliich are 
double, and some deliciously fragrant. Hardy and desirable in 
every garden, also useful for forcing. 

Single Narcissus are hardy and of great beauty, including N. 
Poeticus (Poet's Narcissus), a snowy white variety, in which the 
projecting cup from the centre is of cream color, delicately fringed 
with reddish purple. 
N. hulbncodium (Hoop-Petticoat Narcissus), having the cup two 

inches long and broad at the brim. 
N. Orfor?<.s' (known as Great Jonquil), a large yellow variety with 
powerful fragrance ; and other desirable varieties. 

Polyanthus Narcissus, an exceedingly handsome division, but 
not sufficiently hardy in the North to be reliable in the oi)en 
ground. Tlu-y will sometimes succeed if planted deep in light, 
dry soil, and heavily ])rotecttd at the approach of winter. It is 
in pot culture in winter, however, either in the window or 



THE HOME FLORIST. 263 

conservatory, that this species can be employed with the greatest 
advantage by cultivators, and for this purpose nothing can be 
more satisfactory. There are numerous varieties, which show 
many colors and shades, from purest white to orange red. The 
flowers appear in clusters, numbering from six to upwards of a 
dozen in each Tlie white flowers of this division have yellow 
cups, and the yellow, orange cups. There is also a double variety 
which is very fragrant. 

Narcissus Jonquilla {Jonquil). — The Jonquils are well known 
hardy bulbs, producing both double and sweet scented flowers 
which are very attractive. Plant in autumn six inches apart and 
cover three inches deep. They do not flower so well the firstyear 
as the second and third, therefore the bulbs should not be lifted 
oftener than every third j-ear. 

NASTURTIUM. (See Tropseolum.) 

NEMOPHILA {Hardy Annual). 

A genus of low growing annuals which afford in the differ- 
ent varieties many smgularly colored flowers, such as white 
with black spots, white and purple, white blotched with violet, 
white with chocolate centre, black edged with white, rich maroon 
margined white, bright blue with white centre, blue blotched with 
black, and so forth. While interesting, these plants can scarcely 
be styled showy, although when at their best, they are very at- 
tractive. A cool partially shaded situation suits them the best. 
The seeds should be sown in frames early in the spring or late in 
the fall previous, in order to secure strong plants by hot weather, 
as young plants that come on late, never do so well. Transplant 
to five or six inches apart. 

NIEREMBERGIA GRANDIFLORA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 

45, 90°). 

A valuable plant, either for the flower garden, or for planting 
in baskets, pots, vases, window boxes, etc. The leaves are small 
and pointed, flowers pale bluish white, one inch and a half in 
diameter and salver shaped. Thej" are borne in great abundance 
all during the summer, and by fall fifty flowers can, almost at 
any time, be counted on each plant that is growing in the garden. 
They may be lifted in October without wilting, and will be showy 
for a long time in the window or conservatory. Any soil will 
suit them. Propagate from cuttings with some difficulty. 



264 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



NIGELLA— Love in a Mist. {Hardy Aimuat). 

This singiilar ])lant is known as Lady-in-the-Green and Devil-in- 
a-bush, because tlie blossoms are partly concealed by the abund- 
ance of finely cut foliage. The plant and flower are both hand- 
some, require but little care, and are worthy a place in the flower 
garden. Sow the seed in Spring, and thin to one foot apart. 

NIGHT BLOOMING CEREUS. (See Cereus.) 

NIGHT BLOOMING JASMINE. (See Cestrum.) 







Water Lily. 

NYMPHuEA ODORATA— Water Lily {Half Hardy Roots). 

This plant is the well-known double white "Water Lily or Pond 
Lil3\ The cultivation of this species affords much i^leasure and 
gratification to the amateur, us it is attended Avith so little diffi- 
culty. The roots should be obtained in the early sjiring and placed 
in a tul) or cask from eighteen intlies to two feet in depth; i)ut in 
six inches of rich loam, barely covering the tubers, and fill the 
cask with water, replenishing it, as it loses by evaporation. They 
can be cared for in winter by emptying nearly all the water out 
and keeping in a cool cellar, or if protected from hard freezing, 
can remain on the lawn. Tliis is all the lare reijuired to i)ro(luce 
tlieir large wbite deliciously-fragrant flowers; increases rapidly 
from the roots. Tliereis also a yellow Water I^ily common in 
])onds and stagnant water in most of the Northern State:? which 
can be cultivated in the same way. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 265 

OLEA FRAGANS— Sweet Olive. (Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 

50, 90°) 

This is a favorite greenhouse plant with deep green foliage 
similar to a camellia, and bears small clusters of delicate white 
flowers in great profusion during the fall and winter. Highly 
odoriferous both in the foliage and flowers ; the perfume of a 
single plant is sufficient to fill a conservatory ; propagated by 
cuttings. 

OLEANDER— Nerium. {Greenhouse Perennial, 30, 45, 85°.) 

A well known genus of erect-growing, evergreen shmbs, with 
narrow elongated leathery leaves. The plants are well adapted 
for culture in pots and boxes, to be used in adorning the lawn, or 
plant collection in summer, as they are easily managed to produce 
an abundance of bloom. Naturally deiightiug in a moist soil, 
they should at all times during their flowering season be well sup- 
plied with water. After they are done blooming, keep rather 
dry at the roots until spring, storing them during winter in any 
cool drj' place, a light cellar answering very well. Early winter 
is the most suitable time for pruning the plants, which operation 
may be done quite severely to their benefit. The j^oung shoots 
can be cut back to within two buds of the old wood. In March 
they should be shifted into larger pots or boxes and a new growth 
encouraged by an increase of water. Decayed turfy loam, with 
one-fourth part old rotten manure, forms an excellent compost 
for them. As the plants advance in growth, a weekly w^atering 
of liquid manure, not very strong, will heighten the size and 
beauty of the flowers ; during their approaching season of bloom 
keep a sharp look-out for scale insects on the leaves and bark 
and remove any such by wasliing. Scrubbing ailected pai-ts with 
tobacco water heated to 120° and afterwards with soap and 
water, will completely destroy them if it is thoroughly done. 
The Oleander is easily propagated from cuttings of the 
young growth in the spring and summer. A favorite and time- 
honored method of proceeding with this operation is by placing 
the cutting in a bottle of water suspended in the window or iin- 
der the piazza ; this means is quite similar to the saucer system 
of propagation described on page 35, and in the case of this 
plant is perhaps quite as good a one. Immediately as the roots 
p,ppear, the cutting should be potted and should receive an, 



266 



THE HOME FI.ORTST. 



abuiulauce of water until it becomes rooted in the sf)il. The 
(loiil)le varieties do not show tlieir character until tlic ])lant8 
become strong. 
O. album pie niun — An introduction from the West Indies. Long, 

slender foliage ; line double white flowers. 
O. atropurpurenm pletmm -The richest blood-red crimson color, 

quite double and finely imbricated. 
O.Jiavum Duplex — Large, semi-double, yellow flowers ; early 

and free fl<jwering. 
O. madoiii (jrandiflora — Fally as largo as the double j)ink, and 

nearly as double ; jmre white ; strong habit. 
O. Prof. Dunmd — White, duplex flowers, yellow throat. 
O. splendeiiH — Double pink. 
O. (jloriusum — Brilliant carmine-pink flowers ; very double ; 

showy and desirable 
O. Ih'vry Sahut — A beautiful variety with delicate flesh-colored 

flowers, occasionally flaked with white ; the edge of petals 

changing to white as the floMers become fully expanded. 
O. lutea — Single yellow ; free flowering. 

ORCHIDS {Greenhouse Perennials). 

A natural order of endogenous plants remarkable for the struc- 
ture of their flowers, which are also of great beauty and exquis- 
itely fragrant. The species are very numerous, several thousands 
being described. They are foimd in all parts of the world except 
the coldest and most arid regions, but are most numerous in the 
humid forests of the torrid zone, and ])articularly in America. They 
have of late been much cultivated, houses being sometimes 
specially devoted to them. It is a mistaken notion, however, 
which is prevalent among amateurs, that the cultivation of them 
is attended with much difficulty. It is true that there are cer- 
tain requisites to their successful culture which mainly depends 
on the conditions of their natural state being comi)lied with. 
Careful attention to temperature is necpssarj"- and als-o to ventila- 
tion, and although much heat and moisture are re<iuired for the 
tropical sorts, the atmosphere nuist not be constantly hot and 
humid, but seasons of rest must be given to the j)lants wliich in 
their native climates have generally a wet and dry season, the 
latter being to tliem in many respects what the winter is to i)lants 
of the temperate regions. It is getting better understood of late 
years that the cultivation of many of the most beautiful Orchids 



THE HOME FLORIST. 267 



is no more difficult than the growing of ordinary greenhouse and 
hothouse plants, nor are houses of special construction at all 
needed for producing the best results from these fascinating 
plants. Those from the tropics can he associated with Ixoras, 
Marantas, Eucharis, etc., while others from cooler climates flour- 
ish in the company of Camellias, Azaleas and other plants re- 
quiring the temperature of an ordinary greenhouse. The genus 
of the tropics are at home in the densest jungles and are found 
clinging to the trunks of trees, rocks, etc. Among this group 
are found the ones most prized by the enthusiast for their won- 
derful beauty and rarity, but there are found some of the most 
interesting specimens in the more temperate climates. The varie- 
ties of epiphytes show a wonderful tenacity of life and possess 
the remarkable property of imbibing the whole of their nutri- 
ment from the atmosphere without the intervention of any kind 
of earth. These may be placed in baskets or fastened to blocks 
of wood, with a little moss or some such thing around the roots 
to keep them from becoming too dry, and are thus placed on the 
shelves or suspended from the roof of the house. The plants of 
themselves are odd; of some of the sorts the foliage is very hand- 
some, while many of the most expensive and rare specimens 
would hardly be afforded a casual glance when out of flower. 
But it can be said of the whole species that the elegance and rich 
perfume of their flowers combine to make them objects of uni- 
versal admiration. The following list embraces the most popular 
and easier grown kinds of this beautiful class of plants: 

(T.) Distinguishes the Tropical species, such as require the tem- 
perature of a hot-house. 

(I.) Intermediate or warm greenhouse. 

{JC.) Cool, or such as may be giown iu an ordinary greenhouse. 
(T.) Aerides virens — Light peach color, spotted with purple, 

the lip being spotted with crimson; fragrant. 
(C.) Bletia hyacinthina. 

{C.)Bletia Tankervillae — Large showy flowers, produced on stems 
about 18 inches high ; flowers white, marked with brown. 
(I.) Cattleya Labiata Pescatorei — Light green foliage, free bloom- 
ing; the sepals and petals light rose; the lip rich crimson. 
(I.) Cattleya Labiata Percivaliana. 

(I.) Cattleya 3Iossiae — Flowers very large, from five to six 
inches across, of a rosy crimson color. 



268 THE HOME FLORIST. 



(C.) Cattleya Citriiia— Large flowers, of a bright yellow, pro- 
duced from the top of the bulb; verj' fragrant. 

(C.) Chysis Bractesceiis — Sepals and jietals wliite, with a yellow 
blotch in the centre of lip. 

(I.) Cypripedinvi Barhatuvi — A jnetty species, with beautifully 
spotted foliage, and flowers of a brownish purple, spotted 
with white. 

(C) Cypripediuvi Insigne — Solitary flowers are produced in 
winter, lasting six weeks in bloom ; sepals and petals yellow- 
ish green, the dorsal tipped with white and si)Otted brown. 

(C.) Cypripedinin Venustum—lAghi green leaves, curiously 
blotched and mottled dark green and black. The flower is 
of a greenish white, the lip of yellowish green color. 

(T.) Dendrobiiim Formosum—Sei>a\s and petals white, with 
bright yellow spot in the centre of lip. 

(T.) Dendrobium Formosum Giganteum — Flowers from four to 
five inches across; color snow white, with bright yellow on 
centre of lip. 

(C.) Dendrobium Nobile— Flowers \nuk and white, with a spot 
of crimson in the center of the lip. 

(I.) Dendrobium Pierardii—A beautiful winter-blooming species, 
with beautiful white and yellow flowers, lasting for three 
weeks. 

(T.) Dendrobium Superbiini Giganteum— A showy varietj', with 
flowers from five to seven inches across ; sepals and petals 
beautiful rose-purple, the lip the same color, fringed and 
marked at the base with a pair of rich ])urplish-red spots. 

(I.) Dendrobium Priundinum — White and pink Howers, produced 
in two rows along the stem. 

(T.) Dendrobium \Vardiannm—SeY>a\s and petals white, tipped 
with magenta, the lower part of the lip rich orange, 
spotted on each side with crimson. 

(T.) Dendrobium Suavissimuv}. 

(C.) Epidcndrum Machroc]iiIum—Se\)a\s and petals brown, the 
li}) large, pure white, with a i)urple blotch at the base. 

(C.) Epidendrum VitcUiunm—Se\y,i\s and jietals ric-h orange- 
scarlet, the lip bright yellow ; lasts in bloom for six weeks. 

(C.) Laelia Acumiitnta -The sepals and petals are wliite, the 
lip white with a dark blotch on the upper part. 

(C.) Laelia .4 nceps— Sepals and petals rose-lilac, the lip a beauti- 
ful dark purple. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 269 

(I.) Laelia Purpurata — Flowers very large and showy, sepals 

and petals pure white, the lij) dark crimson-purple. 
(I.) Limatodes Rosea — A charming winter-flowering species of 

a beautiful rose color. 
(C.) Lycaste Ar'oviatica. 
(C.) Lycaste Omenta — Sepals and petals yellow, with a dark 

spot in the centre of the lip. 
(C.) Lycaste Skinneri — The sepals and petals are pure white, 

tinged at the base with rose ; the lip of the same color, 

sjDotted with crimson. 
(C.) Masclevallia Tovarensis — Flowers in pairs, pure white, lasting 

a long time in perfection. 
(C.) Odontoglossum Grande — Very large flowers, mottled and 

striped with brown yellow. 
(C.) Odontoglossum i^ossn'— White and purple flowers, lasting 

in beauty a long time. 
(I.) Oncidium AmpUattnn — Fine large yellow flowers. 
(I.; Oncidium Caminiopliorum. 
(I.) Oncidium Ceholleta. Macranthmn. 
(C.) Oncidium Ornitlioroynchum — Delicate rose-colored flowers, 

on gracefully drooping spikes. 
(I.) Oncidium Roseum—A pretty small-flowering species, with 

colored flowers spotted with red. 
-(I). Oncidium Volvox. 
(T). Saccolabium Blumei J[/q/«s— Beautiful large flowers, violet 

and white in color. 
(T.) Saccolabium Gidtatum— An elegant species, sepals and 
petals white spotted with deep rosy purple ; lip small purple. 
(T.) StanhojMa Ljsignis—Se-pals and petals pale yellow, white 
spotted with red, the lip nearly white spotted with purple. 
(C.) Stanlwpea Ocidata—Psle yellow spotted with purple. 
(C.) Stanhopea Trigrina—Verj large flowers of a pale yellow, 

barred and blotched with deep chocolate. 
(I.) Tricopilia Coce«iea— Sepals and petals yellow and reddish 
brown in color, the lip deep crimson wnth narrow edge of 
white. 
(C.) Tricopilia Suavis—^\\ite flowers, spotted with pink. 



2 70 THE HOME FLORIST. 



ORANGE AND LEMON— Citrus (Greenhouse Perenniah, 32, 45 
to 55, 90°). 

Tliese well known fniits of commerce both belong to the genus 
Cilrus, and are quite identical in many respects. The genus com- 
prises a great nvuiiber of kinds and varieties, some of which are 
known as wild and others as cultivated, the former possessing 
little value, except as stocks upon which to graft the better sorts. 
Both the Orange and Lemon can easily be cultivated in jiots in 
the North, and form attractive plants when in health with their 
rich gloi-sy leaves which are also pleasantly fragrant if chafed. 
Under favorable circumstances, they may be had to flower and 
fruit in the window or conservatory, and if the stocks be grafted 
with the improved varieties the fruit produced will be edible, 
although such varieties are always more difficult to cultivate than 
the stronger growing plants produced from seed. The flowers of the 
Orange are noted for their sweetness and pure white color in some 
of the kinds. There is an excellent dwarf growing species of the 
Orange, which is known as the Chinese Dwarf, and embracing 
several varieties. These dwarf sorts are very suitable for cultiva- 
tion, being of good habit and producing fruit freely, which, 
although not edible, renders the plant highly ornamental. They 
can be perpetuated by cuttings, thus allowing of their purity 
being maintained to any extent. The genus love a rich soil, and 
one containing a fair proportion of well decayed turf, taken up 
from a loamy soil, will suit it as w(>ll as any. For young plants, 
it may contain a portion of sand until they arrive at a fruiting 
age. The months of March, and also August, are suitable times 
for repotting the plants, which may also then be pruned. All 
stunted or straggling shoots should be well cut back and a general 
system of pruning be adopted to effect a well shaped head. The 
Lemon especially, is greatly inclined to irregularity of growth. 
All the varieties of the Citiiis tribe will bear a good deal of shade, 
l)ut throughout winter they should have all the light that can be 
secured for them. The foliage and branches should also receive 
an occasional cleansing with water and sponge, and insects of 
no kin<l must ever be tolerated. 

OTIIONNA SEDIFOLIA Greenhouse Perennial, .T), 45, 85°). 

It has a dwarf, creeping or pendulous habit, Mith slender, 
round, fleshy, light green leaves, and small axilliary flowei-s. 
As a i)lant for hanging baskets, flourishing in a cool temjierature, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 27I 

it is very fine. Its numerous graceful stems droop over the sides 
of the })ot or basket, and its sedum-like foliage glistens under the 
bright sun. Also suitable for carpet bedding among succulent 
plants. Propagated by cuttings. Frequently called Othonna 
Crassifolia. 

OXALIS (Greenhouse Bulb, 34, 45, 80"). 
These are bulbs of the easiest culture, requiring very little 
heat, and esteemed for decorating windows, etc. Tliey are hand- 
some as basket and vase plants and will well repay the small 
amount of care bestowed on their culture. The colors embrace 
white, pink, yellow, etc. 

P^ONIA {Hardy Herbaceous Peren/iiaT). 
A well known genus of plants noted for their hardiness, ease of 
culture, vigorous growth in any garden soil, and for the wonder- 
ful size and attractiveness of their flowers. The flowers in many 
of the varieties are nearly half a foot in diameter, well rounded 
and perfectly double. There are also semi-double and single 
sorts. The Herbaceous Paeonias are increased by dividing the 
roots. This may be done once every few years, the best season 
for the work being September or October, but the spring will also 
answer if it be done very early. The roots should be taken up 
whole, cut in pieces, each with at least one bud, and be reset. 
Plant in rich deep soil, with the crown or bud three inches below 
the surface. 

PALMS (Oreenhoiise Perennial, 35, 50, 90°). 

The natural order Palmacea embraces the finest decorative 
plants in cultivation. They all like shade, and an abvmdance of 
moisture at the roots, as well as frequent sprinkling and syrmg- 
ing overhead. The jjroper soil to grow tliem in is two i^arts loam, 
one part peat and one part sand. The following handsome species 
can be recommended of ea y cvilture for apartments, conser- 
vatory decoration or vase plants»during summer. 
P. Chamcerops excelsa — Leaves fan-shaped, dark green color. 
P. Conjpha Australis (Livistonia Australis) — Leaves divided into 

small segments, dark green. 
P. Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm) — Showy crown of dark green 

leaves. 
P. Jaiibcea Spectabllis — Pinnate leaves, six to twelve feet long, 

deep green. 



■■■7 
2'J2 THE HOME FLORIST. 

P. Latonia Borhonica — A beautiful Palm, witli large deeply divid- 
ed, fan-shaped leaves ; it is of easy cultivation and makes a 
splendid plant for vases, baskets, etc. Tliis is the most de- 
sirable and most ornamental of all the Palms. 

P. Panda nus iitilU (Screw Pine)— So called from the arrangement 
of the leaves on the stem ; verj^ graceful, glaucous green. 

P. Veitchii — Bordered with conspicuous bands of pure white. 

P. Pha'nix reclinata—A cool greenhouse Palm, dark green 
leaves. 

P. Ptychosperma Alexandra — An elegant slender-stemmed 
species, not unlike a Seaforthia. 

P. Sabal Atidansoni (Dwarf Palmetto)— Native of our Southern 
States. 

P. Seaforthia Elegans — A very graceful Palm, dark green. 

PANICUM {Hardy Herbaceous and Greenhouse Perennials). 

Pamcum Plicatum. — This is a desirable grass for the garden, 
with deep green foliage, striped white, and occasionallj- rose ; 
grows in clumps, and attains a heiglit of about two feet : propa- 
gates by division. Protect in winter. 

Panicum Varteg.atum (35, 50 to GO, 90°). — A very attractive 
grass, of trailing or creeping habit, excellent for hanging baskets 
or pot culture in the greenhouse or window. The leaves are willow 
shaped, and distinctly variegated Avith white, rose and green The 
plant recjuires a warm place, and rather delights in shade; propa- 
gates from cuttings. 

PANSY— Heart's-ease, Viola Tricolor {Hardy Annual). 

The Pansy is a flower of such excellent qualities, that it ranks in 
general esteem perhaps higher than any other one in cultivation, 
not even excepting the Rose. Treated as a hardy annual, and 
it is very easy to raise from the seed; is remarkably produc- 
tive of flowers for a long time, and the flowers are the subject of 
admiration from all beholders. Their colors rangi- from white to jet 
black through the various shades of violet, dark and light blue, 
red, bronze, yellow, purple, etc , and there are tome varieties 
which are most beautifully and distinctly striped and blotched. 
To grow the Pansy to perfection simply requires that they be 
planted in soil of high fertility, and with this requisite secured 
there is no need of hot-bed, conservatory, or any other appliance 
to have an abundance of flowers, if the directions Ik iv given are 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



^71 




Group of Pansy Floivers. 



followed. They flower most freely, and the bloom is of the finesi 
quality in the months preceding and following the hottest and 
dryest part of summer, although there is no complete cessa- 
tion of bloom during this pei'iod if the soil is ordinarily retentive 
of moisture and well enriched. The seeds should be sown in 
August or early in September. If the seed-bed is shaded with 
whitewashed sash or lath shutters— the lath an inch apart— the 
seeds will germinate more readily. After the seedlings have made 
their second leaves they should be thinned out to afford a chance 
for proper development, or they may be transplanted to several 
inches apart in any rich soil for w^intering. Young Pansy plants 
are hardy, and all the protection they require is a slight scattering 
of long straw or hay on the beds, after the ground is frozen, 
which will prevent any injury to the plants from thawing 
weather that may occur during the winter ; this must be removed 
early in the spring. For final flowering, plant six to nine inches 
apart in the well enriched beds as above alluded to. If sowing in 
the summer was neglected, the seed may be started about Feb- 
ruary in heat and nearly the same results be gained as with 
Summer sowing, but with more trouble. Should these spring- 
grown plants be too small for flowering before midsummer, they 
will do all the better in the fall months for not having flowered in 
the spring. 



274 THE HOME FLORIST. 



PASSION FLOWER— Passiflora {Greenho-use Perennial, 35, 

50, 90'). 

Climbing plants for the greenhouse and window that possess a 
pleasing appearance, in the foliage, the form of growth and in the 
flowers. They withstand the dry heat of dwellings better than 
the average of plants. TJie plants are frequently set out perma- 
nently in tlie conservatory to climb along the rafters, for which 
purpose they are well suited and very ornamental. 

PELARGONIUM— Lady Washington Geranium {Greenhouse 
Perennial, 33, 45 to 55, 90 ). 

A division of the Geranium family (popularly speaking, 
for, in a botanical sense, the so called tender Geraniums are Pelar- 
goniums), the plants of which are only suitable for pot culture, 
producing flowei's of an extremely high rank of beauty. The 
plant is in api)earance somewhat similar to the connnon Horse- 
shoe or Scarlet Geranium but more upright in its habit, and with 
stiffer leaves. The flowers are also quite similar in form, but are 
much larger, averaging about two inches across, and possess the 
richest colors, and shades of colors imaginable, ranging from 
purest white, through carmine, crimson, rosy pink, vermilion, to 
the darkest maroon, and through the intervening shades for the 
ground colors, and then upon these the most exquisite veinings 
and shadings, and upon petals of the finest satin-like texture, yet, 
of such a thickness that but the deepest markings lun through 
them. Usually the under side of the petals are of a tinted white. 
or a lighter and uniforna shade of the predominating color of the 
flower. The Pelargonium is not so valuable a window plant as 
some of the Geraniums, for, although of a free, healthy growth, 
it is here inclined to be a shy bloomer. As spring and earlv sum- 
mer flowering plants in the conservator}-, however, all the vari- 
eties possess the greatest value for decorative purposes, blooming 
with great freedom. No conservator}' can be considered well 
stocked without some of these plants in the collection. After the 
plants have flowered in the summer they should be given a rest 
of two months by almost entirely withhoMing water from them. 
At the end of this time they should be cut back and be repotted 
into fresh soil of a fertile nature, fii'st soaking the ball of old earth 
in which they have been growing, and removing .all of this that 
can be taken off, without mutilating the roots. Water may be 



THE HOME FLORIST. 2^5 



freely applied from this time on. During tlie winter the plants 
should be placed in a light situation, and given sufficient space to 
enable the air and liglit to reach all the foliage. Due attention 
should be paid to pinching back any strong growing shoots, and 
neat stakes should provided if necessary, to keep the plants to a 
pleasing shape. The plants propagate quite readily from cuttings. 
The end shoots obtained in pruning back the plants in September 
after their annual rest, are the most suitable for striking, and 
strong plants can be grown from these by spring, if they are re- 
potted as required during winter. 

P. Arcadian Prince — Deep glowing rosy crimson, slightly pen- 
ciled with maroon ; an excellent grower and free bloomer. 
P. Augusta Odier — An exceedingly rich, carmine-veined variety. 
P. Beadsman — Pink, maroon spots. 
P. Belle Bloride— White, edged and penciled with carmine, and 

spotted wath maroon. 
P. Bianca — Shell tinted pink, with dark spots running through 

crimson to pink, on two petals. 
P. Captivation — Pure white, with striking spots of dark maroon. 
P. Diadematum — Bright crimson pink, penciled with maroon. 
P. Dr. Andre — Blush pink ground, the margins of the petals 

elegantly fringed. 
P. Gen. Taylor — A free flowering carmine pink variety, slightly 

marked with maroon on two petals ; a superb variety. 
P. Glorie de Belleview — Light, veined crimson, with blackish 

maroon spots; fine. 
P. James Odier — Upper petals white, under shell-tinted with 

maroon markings. 
P. Lavina—V-are white, with the lower petals distinctly marked 

with maroon and edged with crimson. 
P. Marksman — White ground, profusely marked and stained with 

purplish crimson. 
P. Madella d'Ov — Darkest crimson, with darker spots and liglit 

center; exceedingly rich. 
P. Manzinella — Pink, crimson and maroon. 
P. Norma — Light lilac on white, with dark spots. 
P. Sir Casper — Light pink, blotched with maroon and crimson. 
P. White Lady — A pure white variety, the flowers of which, 

although freely produced, are rather below the avei-age in 

size. 



276 THE HOME FLORIST. 



PENSTEMON {Greenhouse Perennial, 30, 45, 75°). 

A class of nearly hardy plants (there are also some species that 
are entirely hardy) suitable for the flower garden ami pot culture. 
They bloom for a long time during the summer months. The 
flowers are produced in spikes of Foxglove-like form, are of good 
colors and very nicely shaded and mottled. The plants can be 
taken up from the flower garden in the fall and i)reserved in a 
cold-pit or the cool end of a conservatory or in the cellar during 
the winter. Propagate readily fronx cuttings. 

PEPEROMIA (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 85^). 

A pretty and valuable genus of dwarf plants with fine silvery 

markings and reticulations in the foliage. They require partial 

shade and moisture and are particularly adapted for "Wardian 

cases and cabinets. Propagates from cuttings. 

P. Versehafelti — Large foliage, brilliant silvery markings. 

P. maculosa— S'llvevy cornate foliage: very pretty. 

P. resedcejlora -Leaves small ; flowers white, constant bloomer; 
very handsome. 

P. maynolkefolia—Ol taller growth, with long fleshy leaves. 

P. prostrata— This very pretty and slender growing basket-plant 
proves to be a welcome addition to this popular class of 
plants. The leaves, which are round, are produced close 
together on long thread-like creeping rhizomes, and are 
beautifully variegated with brown and light green. The 
mature leaves assume a somewhat globular shape, giving to 
the plant a distinct and unique character. 

PERLSTROPHE Angustifolia Aurea {Greenhouse Perennial, 
40, 60, 90'). 

A beautiful plant native of India, has showy purple flowei-s well 
adapted for baskets or wardian cases and also beds out well ; the 
foliage is handsomely marked with golden yellow; propagates by 
cuttings. 

PETUNIA {Half-Hardy Annual or Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 50, 

85°). 

For out-door decoration iu summer there are few plants that 
excel this class. Tliey commence to flower early and continue a 
mass of bloom the wliole smnmcr and xuitil after frosts. Tliere 
are both double and single varieties, the former usually Ijeing 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



77 




Petunia. 



increased from cuttings and treated as greenhouse perennials in 
winter, and the latter as annuals, raising them from seed every 
spring, although the best of these can also be perpetuated very 
profitably from cuttings, thus insuring the purity of any desirable 
strain. Double varieties can also be raised from seed, but only a 
limited percentage can usually be depended upon to come double. 
Aside from the great value of the entire family as bedding plants, 
the double varieties especially are very satisfactory if grown in 
rich soil in pots, and the stronger growing single varieties are 
excellent for planting in hanging baskets or vases for trailing over 
the edges. For this latter named purpose the seed should be sown 
as early as March. For ordinary summer decoration the seed 
may be sown in a hot-bed, cold-frame or prepared seed bed, trans- 
planting the seedling plants eighteen inches apart in the garden, 
in May, or sowings may be made where the plants are desired, 
which will do quite as well, excepting that these will not flower 
within several weeks of as early as the others. 
The most desirable varieties among the double Petunias are : 



278 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



P. Beauty — Rich crimson and white striped; sometimes sports. 

P. Cleopatra — White, blotched with violet crimson. 

P. Delicdta — Lavender and blush, 

P. Maiden's Blush — Light rosy pink ; very beautiful and a free 

bloomer. 
P. Queen of Whites — Pure white; very double; somewhat resem- 
bling a white Carnation, but larger. 
P. Wm. White — Crimson and white. 
P. Wm. Heines — Dark violet crimson. 

Among the single varieties which may be raised from seed, the 
following ai-e prominent for their superiority : 
P. Countess of Ellesmore — Rosy carmine, with white throat; an 
exceedingly desirable variety, coming true from seed. 

In the large flowering (Qrandiflora) section : 
P. Green Margined — Crimson color, white throat, green edge. 
P. Inimitable — Purplish red, spotted and margined with white. 
P. Kermesina — Large crimson. 
P. il/acxZa^a— Purple and crimson, spotted white. 
P. yewosa— Beautiful veined variety. 



I 




Philadelphiis. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



279 



PHILADELPHUS— Mock Orange (Hardy Shrub.) 

These lovely, hardy, exquisitely fragrant, flowering shrubs, 
should be in every garden. Indeed, the old-fashioned, sweet- 
scented^ single Mock Orange (so-called because of the exquisite 
fragrance of the flowers, like orange blossoms,) is known to nearly 
all lovers of hardy plants. 

P. dianthiflorus plenus — Flowers very large and numerous, star- 
shaped, nearly double, producing bunches of five to seven 
in each. 
P. primulceflorus — Double white, resembling the blossoms of the 

double white Chinese Primula. 
P. Keteleeri flare pleno — Producing an abundance of jiure white, 

semi-doable, very fragrant flowers. 
P. Grandiflora Single, or Mock Orange - A rapid growing, 
medium-sized shrub, with very fragrant white flowers. 

PHLOX {Half-Hardy Annuals and Hardy Perennials). 

This genus, in its several 
sections embraces many plants 
of value to the amateur florist. 
Indeed, no garden can be 
well stocked without some of 
the Phloxes. Throughout 
they are of fine habit and 
vigorous growth, producing 
flowers of very attractive colors 
in great profusion, the plants 
thriving in any garden soil, 
and with the most ordinary 
attention. On account of these 
desirable qualities they can be 
recommended to cultivators of 
little experience, as there is 
Phlox Drummondii. little danger of failure to real- 

ize successful results in their cultivation. 

Phlox Druivimondii. — Among seed-grown annuals for the gar- 
den the Phlox Drummondii stands without a rival for brilliancy 
of colors and continual display. It is to this class, Avhat the 
Verbena and Geranium are to tender greenhouse bedding plants. 
It is even a most formidable rival of these brilliant flowering 




28o THE HOME FLORIST. 



plants named, when effect is considered. Taking into account 
the small cost of the seed of this Phlox, tlie readiness witli wliich 
plants can be grown, and their general attractiveness when in 
flower, either in ordinary beds or in ribbons and masses, and it is 
seen at once how greatly deserving of attention it is froTu culti- 
vators generally for bedding and also for cut flowers. The 
different varieties afford many distinct and striking colors, such 
as pure white, white with purple eye, deep blood purple, brilliant 
scarlet, beautiful rose color, rose with white eye, dark violet with 
white eye, red with white eye, crimson striped with white, slate 
color, and many othei's, all of which come true from the seed. 
The seed may be sown either in the hot-bed, cold-frame or in the 
open gi'ound. The plants should stand about nine inches apart 
for the best results in flowering. They commence flowering early 
and continue to produce an abundance of bloom until towards 
winter, especially if the flowers are removed as they mature. 

Hardy Upright Phloxes. — These are hardy herbaceous peren- 
nials, and among the most useful and showy ones in cultivation. 
The flowers are pi-oduced in gi-eat profusion, on upright stems 
from one to three feet high, in the summer and fall months. The 
plants are perfectly hardy, and will thrive in any garden soil. 
After they have attained some size, the roots may be taken up in 
the fall or spring, and be divided and reset. The following is a list 
of desirable varieties: 
P. Alexandriena Varennes — Deep rose. 
P. Delecata — Rich dark purplish crimson, 
P. Glorie de Nieully— Brilliant salmon red. 
P. Harlequin — Brilliant crimson, somewhat mottled. 
P, Hector Rouillard — Distinct!}' striped crimson and rose, 
P, L. Avenir — Salmon and red; very fine. 
P. Mad. Ainezi Pothier — Pink with deep red eye, 
P. Mad. Bellvenue — Deep rose, crimson center. 
P. 3[(t(l. Bernian — Ro.sy purj>le, crunsou eye. 
P. Mad. de Chambrey—Ijiirge rosy purple, distinct dark eye. 
P. Mad. de Wendall — Almost pure wliite, crimson eye. 
P. Mad. Masson — Crimson, petals edged and striped witli piirplislv 

rose. 
P. Mad. Pepin — Rose, with salmon centre and crimson eye ; dis' 

tinct. 
P. Mad. Van Hontt('—lA\x,\\t ]nnk witli bright crimson eye, 
p. Mons. Duffe — Brilliant crimson. 






THE HOME FLORIST. 28 1 



P. Naiioleon — Pure white distinctly striped with purple. 

P. Roi des Roses — Rosy purple with bright crimson eye. 

P. Startler — Striped rose. 

P. Venus — Blush with carmine eye. 

P. Victor Hugo —Striking purplish crimson. 

Hardy Procumbent Phloxes {Moss Pink).— These differ from 
the other sections of the family, in being of creeping habit, with 
small pointed leaves. They produce their pretty flowers in May, 
at which time the prostrate plants are literally covered with bloom. 
Of the easiest culture. Propagate by division. 
P. sulmlata — Pink flowers in immense numbers. 
P. subulata alba — Pure white, similar in form and growth to the 
jjreceding variety, and very attractive. 

PILE A— Artillery Plant {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 80°). 

Unique plants in their way, with graceful frond-like leaves, 
which, when in flower, produce a snapping sound if water is 
thrown upon them. They are useful either as jwt plants or for 
planting in baskets, vases. Ferneries, etc. , being in either case easy 
to manage. Propagate from cuttings. 

PILOGYNE SUA VIS {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 90°). 

A charming climber, very dense grower; very useful for forming 
growing festoons between small trees or stakes, etc.; also, fine for 
the house in winter. 

PINK, GARDEN OR FLORIST'S {Hardy Perennial). 

A class of hardy plants for the garden that belong to the genus 
Dianthus. They much resemble Carnations, but are more dwarf. 
The flowers are perfectly double, clove scented, and embrace 
numerous colors in thd different varieties, including pure white, 
carmine, pink, etc., in some of w^hich striking deej:) rose, maroon, 
deep carmine and other colors appear in the center of the flower 
or distinctly on each petal. Some are also beautifully fringed. 
The plants may be propagated by cuttings or by layers, and will 
thrive in any garden soil. 

Pure White Hardy Pinks. 
P. Sarah Howard — A fragrant, double, pure white, free flowering 
summer and fall Pink, not entirely hardy, but with slight 
protection, very desirable; exceedingly valuable for bouquet 
making. 



282 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



P. Alba fimbriata — A double white early spring flowering sort, of 
good form and substance, being fringed and very fragrant. 
This one is grown extensively by florists for bouquet flowers; 
perfectly hardy and unequaled for forcing in pots in the 
winter, for which purpose any of the ordinary plants from 
the garden may be taken up and potted in the fall without 
previous treatment. (For forcing, 33, 50, 80° ) 

PITTOSPORUM TOBIRA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33,40, 85°). 

An evergreen winter blooming shi-ub of very easy culture, pro- 
ducing small white flowers of exquisite fragrance not unlike the 
orange bloom; there is a variety of same with variegated leaves; 
propagates by cuttings. 

PLUMBAGO {Greenhouse Pere.inial, 35, 50 85°). 

Shrubby greenhouse pot plants, also suitable for bedding out, 

producing large trusses of flowers during the season. They flower 

freely in plants six inches high, and are desirable plants in any 

collection. 

P. capensis — Azure blue. 

P. rosea— Beautiful bright rose. 

P. alba — Pure white. 

P. larpentea - Deep dark blue. This is entirely hardy and dur- 
ing the summer is covered with its bright flowei-s. It does 
not grow over eight to twelve inches in height. 

POINSETTIA PULCHERRIMA {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55 
to 65. 100 ). 

A tropical plant of remarkable habit, and possessed of gor- 
geous beauty when in bloom. The flower, or rather the floral 
bracts that siu-round the flower proper, in well grown speci- 
mens attain a diameter of one foot, and are of the most dazzMng 
scarlet. The plants require a warm place to develop the flower 
heads, which appear in December and January, but with this 
requi'ement supplied, they are of the easiest culture. Sandy soil 
suits them the best. After their flowering season is over and 
until spring they should leceive only enougli water to prevent 
the soil from becoming powder dry. The plants may be set under 
the staging of the greenhouse during this time. In the spring 
they may be repotted, afterwards when the weather is hot, 
plunging the pots in soil in the open ground and leaving them 



THE HOME FLORIST. 283 

here until the time of returning them under glass, which should 
be in September. There is a double variety of recent introduc- 
tion which in some respects is superior to the single kind. 

POLEMONIUM REPTANS {Hardy Perennial). 

A fine hardy plant of dwarf spreading habit, blooming in early 
spring; the flowers are borne in clusters ; are bell shaped and of a 
most beautiful bright blue. 

POLYGONUM {Greenhouse aud Hardy Perennial, 34, 45, 80"). 

P. scandens — A neat creeping or trailing plant of easy growth ; 
has slender stems and small round leaves and bears a pro- 
fusion of very small waxy white flowers ; splendid for 
baskets. 

P. filiforma folia variegatcc (Hardy Perennial) — Entirely 
hardy variety, the leaves of which are variegated white 
and green, bearing rosy pink flowers in long racemes, which 
drop over the foliage, giving a very pleasing effect. It 
grows to the height of two feet. 

POLYANTHUS— Primula Elatior, Cups and Saucers {Hardy 
Perennial). 

Pretty, early flowering, hardy garden plants that are found in 
many collections. They flower mostly in May. The flowers ap- 
pear in trusses on erect stems, and embrace various colors, in- 
cluding brown witl± yellow eye and delicate yellow edge, rich 
brown, almost black, either shaded or plain, various combina- 
tions of crimson, yellow, sulphur, etc. The plants may be in- 
creased by division, and also from seed. They delight in a light 
loamy soil and are benefited by a covering of leaves or other 
material through the winter. 

POMEGRANATE, DWARF {Almost a hardy Shrub). 

The fruit-bearing Pomegranate is a native of Asia, and is much 
cultivated in warm countries. The dwarf, flowering kind is valu- 
able for pot culture, bearing flowers of leathery substance. It is 
a deciduous plant, and with pot culture may be stored in a cellar, 
cold-pit, or under the staging in the conservatory during winter, 
and until April, when it should be brought to light and started 
into growth. In tiie Southern States the dwarf Pomegranate is 
hardy with slight protection. 



284 THE HOME FLORIST. 



P. Double White— liH.rge double white. 

P. Jos. Viek—A variety which blooms when quite young, the 

flowers are large and of the most brilliant orange scarlet, 

grows from four to six feet in height. 
P. Variegafn— The flowers are very double, yellow, flaked with 

scarlet, and almost the size of a Hibiscus flower. 

POPPY— Papa VEB (Hardy Annuals aud Hardy Perennials). 

Showy and well known border flowers, apt to be despised 
through ignorance of the really good qualities of the improved 
varieties. The annual varieties are easily grown from seed, 
which should be sown where the plants are wanted. Among the 
perennial sorts P. hracteatum is a scarlet variety. P. croceum 
orange ; an early and free bloomer. P. orientale (Oriental Pop- 
py), large, orange red ; flowering the fore part of summer. These 
are best raised from seed or may be increased by division of the 
roots. 

PORTULACA {Half-Havdy Annual). 

Exceeiingly brilliant and popular low growing annuals of the 
easiest culture. There are both double and single kinds, in- 
cluding white, rose, golden, orange, crimson, scarlet, rosy purple 
aud other colors, besides beautifully striped varieties. The 
Double Portulacas are of remarkable beauty, being as double and 
perfect as a Rose. All luxuriate in an exposed sunny situa- 
tion, and produce througliout tlie summer their distinct and 
showy flowers in tlie greatest profusion, on which account they 
possess value for planting in masses or in ribbon lines, 
as well as for other purposes in adorning the grounds and gar- 
den. A bed of either the double or single varieties, but espec- 
ially of the former, forms as attractive an object as can be intro- 
duced, particularly in all sunny weather. Tlie plants are grown 
with readiness from seed, wliich may be sown early in the open 
ground, or in the hot-bed, or pots in the window, and afterwards 
setting the young seedlings about eight inches apart in the gar- 
den. The seeds saved from double flowei"s will not all produce 
perfectly double flowers, although a l:irge enough percentage 
may be depended upon from tliese to be satisfactory. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



285 




Portulaca. 
POTENTILLA—CiNQUEFOiL {Hardy Perennial) 

An extensive genus, mostly natives of the temperate zones, 
some of which are worthy of cultivation, while many are ranked 
among weeds. The foliage of nearly all the varieties resembles 
that of the strawberry somev.hat. There are in cultivation 
both single and double flowering varieties, with such colors as 
dark crimson, orange scarlet, blood red, blush and salmon, red 
shaded with maroon; many are showy, and are produced with 
little intermission through the entire season. Succeed in any 
garden soil, and are increased either from seed or by dividing the 
roots. 

PRIMROSE— Primula {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 50, 85°). 

This is a most valuable class of plants for pot culture, either in 
the conservatory or window. They grow less than one foot in 
height and produce an immense number of the purest white and 
other colored flowers during fall, winter and spring. There is a 
Double White variety, which is extensively gi-own for winter 
flowers by florists. The flowers are an inch across, perfectly double 
and of the purest white. This variety is increased with some 
difficulty by division and from cuttings iu the spring ; is rather 
impatient of ill-treatment, and will not do as well in the window 
as the single varieties. It requires a fine, rich soil, containing 



28e 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




Primroses. 

considerable sand, and does not bear to be crowded closely 
amou}^ other plants. In the summer it should be grown under 
glass, heavily coated with a wash of lime and water. During 
winter the glass should also be kept slightly whitened over the 
plants, and as uniform a temperature as possible be maintained. 
Water may be freely applied, but sprinkling the leaves or flower- 
stems should be avoided. The Single varieties are reared from 
seed, which is sown in the summer. These include flowers of 
white, rose and crimson colors, and also some with finely im- 
bricated edges. The directions given for managing the Double 
Primrose are also ai)plicable to the single varieties. 

PYRETHRU:\I. (See Feverfew). 

RANUNCULUS (Hordy Perennials). 

Ranunculus Acris Flore Pleno (Butter Cup, Crowfoot)— A 
hardy herbaceous perennial that is (piite common. Tiio flowers 
are double, glossy, of a pretty yellow c-olor, jtroduced on upright 
stems, two feet high, in June and July. Will thrive in any soil, and 
when once introduced in a garden, there is no diflSculty in keejv 
ing it, as it grows freely and propagates by division very easily. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 287 

Ranunculus Asiaticus— Is a section which affords some of 
the most splendid flowers in cultivation, but, unfortunately, our 
winters are loo severe to gi-ow them without difficulty in the open 
ground, on which account their culture is generally precluded, 
except in the window and conservatory, where they may be 
grown by observing the directions given for cultivating the Hya- 
cinth and other Hardy Bulbs, etc., on page 53. 

REINECKIA CARNEA {Hardy Perennial). 

This plant has grassy leaves six inches to a foot long; the 
flowers are rose colored and fragrant. They are very useful 
plants in aquariums or for margins of fountains; propagates by 

oifsets. 

RHODANTHE {Half-Hardy Annual). 

A beautiful, though somewhat delicate, genus of Everlasting 
flowers, grown from seed, which must be started in heat, and 
succeed better growing in pots than if planted out. 
R. atrosanguinea. — Is a distinct variety, of dwarfish, branching 
habit, the flowers of which are deep purple and violet, with 
magenta ray scales. 
R. macuJata — Rosy purple, with yellow disc; of quite strong 

growth and large flowers. 
It. macidata alba — Similar to the preceding, except that the 
flowers are pure white, with yellow disc. This is the finest, 
pure white, everlasting in cultivation. 
R. Manglesii — Bright rosy color, and silvery calyx; rather deli- 
cate for the open ground, but succeeds finely as a pot plant. 

RHODODENDRON {Hardy Perennial). 

The Rhododendron is one of the most valuable of our hardy dec- 
orative plants. The leaves are broad, glossy and evergreen and the 
plants wlien growing in groups, or belts, or alone, give a j^leasing 
effect in the midst of ranter. Did it produce no flowers, it would 
still be a most desirable hardy plant for every style of lawn 
planting. In June, when the masses of rich and glossy green 
are surmounted by scarlet, purple and white clusters, each clus- 
ter large enough for a bouquet, the display is worthy of any ex- 
pression of admiration. They bear pruning well, and can be 
kept down to two feet, or allowed to grow six or eight feet; as 
standards, they are particularly fine. 



2S8 THE HOME FLORIST. 



They require only a good garden soil, which should be dug at 
least two feet deep and mixed with some leaf mould or peat; 
the ground should be mulched during the summer and a protec- 
tion of leaves and brush be applied during the winter. 

RHYNCOSPERMUM JASMINOIDES [Greenhouse Perennial, 36, 

55, 95 ). 

A beautiful greenhouse plant, with glossy evergreen foliage, 
producing masses of pure white Jasmine-like flowers, delightfully 
fragrant; in bloom about May and June. It is of a climbing 
habit, and presents a beautiful appearance when properly trained. 
The flowers are very desirable for bouquets, etc. 
R. jasminokles anrea variegata— Foliage variegated green, white 

and carmine. 
R. jasminoides argentea variegata — Foliage edged with silvery 

white . 

RICHARDIA ALBA MACULATA {Tender Bulb) 

A plant belonging to the same genus as the Calla, with beauti- 
fullj^ spotted leaves. It flowers during the summer months, 
either in pots or if planted out in the open border. The flowers 
are shaped like those of the Calla, and are white, shaded with 
violet inside. It is a deciduous plant, the root of which should 
be kept dry in the winter in the cellar or under the bench of the 
conservatory, and started in the spring like a Dahlia. 

RICINUS— Castor Oil Bean (Half Hardy Annual). 

A genus of ornamental seed-grown plants of stately growth, 
and with picturesque foliage, that are highly useful for planting, 
either singly or in groups, about the lawn or gaiden, or with 
other strong-growing plants, possessing striking foliage or flowei-s 
such as Cannas, Caladiums, Japanese Strii)ed Maize, Hollyhocks, 
Helianthus, etc. The seeds may be planted in the open gi-ound 
in May, or may be started a month earlier in pots, in tlie hot- bed 
or window, thus securing showy plants some weeks earlier. The 
joung jilants will not bear much moisture or cold, and when 
brought on inside should be kept near to tlie glass. 

ROSE. (See pages 65 to 122.) 



THE HOME FLORIST. 289 

RIVINA HUMILIS (Greenhouse Perennial, 36, 55, 95"). 

Greenhouse evergreen, grown for its beautiful racemes of 
bright scarlet berries. A plant of some size, is always full of 
the fruit, which makes it quite attractive; of easy culture; the 
flowers are white; increased by seed or cuttings. 

RONDELETIA ANOMALE (Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 95°). 

A genus of greenhouse plants of dwarf habit, requiring a 
rather warm temperature and frequent syringing. It is a very neat 
plant, bearing vermilion blooms when quite small and continues 
in flower during the summer; propagated by cuttings. 

ROSEMARY — Rosemarianus Officinalis (Greenhouse Peren- 
nial, 33, 45 to 55, 85"). 

A common sweet-scented plant, of erect habit, much cultivated 
as a house plant. It thrives with the most ordinary care, and is 
generally prized by all who cultivate it. The plants may easily 
be propagated from cuttings. 

RUELLIA (Greenhouse Perennials, 35, 50, 90°). 

A genus of free flowering plants, blooming continuously dur- 
ing the season , and of easy culture. 

R. Formosa — Bears scarlet salvia-like flowers in great profusion, 

making it desirable for bedding. 
R. macrantha—'H.as beautiful purjilish pink flowers of large size, 

being several times the size of the preceding variety. 

RUSSELIA JUNCEA (Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 85°). 

A splendid basket plant of neat, slender habit, with bright 
scarlet flowers, which are very conspicuous, a color that is scarce 
in basket plants. 

SALPILGLOSSIS (Half -Hardy Annual). 

Beautiful annuals for the garden, with funnel-shaped flowers, 
richly colored, veined and marbled. On close examination the 
blossoms will be found to have a rich, velvety softness seldom 
seen in other flowers. But for the fact that the plants are of 
somewhat slender and straggling growth, they would be exceed- 
ingly desirable. Seed may be sown in the open border. The 
plants should stand about eight inches apart. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



SALVIA— Sage {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45 to 50, 80"). 
A family of late summer flowering plants, suitable for the gar- 
den. Tliey are of robust growth, easily cultivated in any soil, 
and form very attractive plants when in bloom. Easily increased 
from cuttings, and most of the varieties from seed. The plants 
may be lifted in the fall and be cut back severely and potted, and 
thus kept in a growing condition, eitlier in a light cellar, the 
window or conservatory, until February, when new stock may 
be propagated for spring planting. 

S. officinalis tricolor — A beautiful variegated variety of the 
common Sage; foliage blotched with white, green and 
sometimes pink; dwarf, bushy habit; tine for bedding. 
S. patens — Flowers of the richest and most distinct blue; excel- 
lent for pot culture. 
S. sj)k')iclens — A superb fall flowering bedding plant, growing to 
a height of two to three feet, and completel}' covered with 
spikes of dazzling scarlet flowers, causing it, wliile in 
bloom, to be, perhaps, the most attractive plant in the gar- 
den. A sharp lookout should be kept for the green-fly on 
this plant in the winter, as no other one is more liable to 
attacks from this insect. 
S. sjilendois alba— A white varietj', similar in form of growth 
and flowers to the preceding. An excellent plant for 
decorating the conservatory and window in the autumn, if 
grown in a good -sized pot. 
S. splendens variegata — Has beautiful white and scarlet flowers. 
S. amabtZts— Unquestionably the freest flowering of all the Sal- 
vias. Small plants, set out the first of June last year, were 
a sheet of bloom all Summer. Color deep violet, shaded 
porcelain blue and white. A splendid flower to cut for 
bouquets; it will stand a severe frost. 
S. rut Hans (Apple-Scented) — Produces very freely neat spikes of 
magenta-colored flowers, graceful foliage, witli a very 
agreeable ajiple fragrance. 
S. bruantii — A dwarf growing variety, producing line, large 
flowers of a dazzling, velvety red color; extremely attrac- 
tive. 
S. rosea — A distincit winter-flowering Salvia, with rich, rose-col- 
ored flowers, borne in spikes six inches in lengtli. to con- 
trast with the white, blue and scarlet varieties of Salvia. 
It is very valual)le. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 29 1 



SANCHEZIA NOBILIS VARIEGATA {Greenhouse Perennial, 
35, 50 to 90°). 

A highly ornamental plant of good habit and vigorous growth, 
producing large leaves of an intense green, the veins of which 
are broadly margined with golden yellow. As a handsome, vari- 
egated plant of easy culture in pots, it is very desirable, particu- 
larly in a warm conservatory. A light, rich soil suits it the best. 

SAXIFRAGA SARMENTOSA {GreenJwuse Perennial, 33, 40, 80°). 

A handsome plant of low habit, leaves nearly round and striped 
freely with silver bands; blooms white, of great beauty and borne 
in spikes of nearly 12 inches in height. It is especially adapted 
for hanging baskets, vases, etc. 

SCABIOSA— Mourning Bride {Half-Hardy Annual). 

A garden plant of considerable value, grown from seed. There 
ctre tall and dwarf kinds, the former attaining a height of two 
feet; tlie dwarf , one-half as high, but both are of free growth 
and produce distinct flowers of many colors and shades, from 
white, through lilac, brick color, dark purple, etc., down to al- 
most jet black. The flowers are produced on long, straight 
stems, and, with being neat and pretty, are very useful for 
cutting for summer bouquets. In flow^er from July to October. 
The seed may be sown early in the open ground, or started in 
heat, afterwards setting the seedlings a foot or fifteen inches 
apart in the garden. 

S nana ft pi. — A dwarf variety, somewhat distinct, the flow- 
ers are quite double and globular, extending through all the 
colors of the tribe. 
S. Stella ta (Starry Scabiosa) — The petals, or rather seed vessels, 
of this variety are of peculiar scaly texture, and when 
dried are useful for an-anging with the Everlastings and 
dried grasses into winter bouquets. 

SCUTTELARIA PULCHELLA {Greenhouse Perennial, 36, 

50, 90°). 

A neat greenhouse plant requiring but little care, being of very 
easy culture. It makes a very desirable winter blooming plant, 
at which time it produces its dazzling red flowers profusely. The 
bloom is produced in terminal spikes. Propagated by cuttings. 



292 



THE HOME 1-LORIST. 



SEDUM — Stone Crop {Hardy Perennials, principuUy). 

Mostly garden plants, with thick succulent leaves, and very 
tenacious of existence; the common Live-for-Ever belonging to 
the genus. Some of the varieties are of erect habit, and are 
attractive, while others are of creeping and trailing habit, 
being useful for cultivating in pots in the window or con- 
servatory, or for planting in baskets, vases, etc., to droop 
over the edge. Among the latter S. Seboldii, with grayish green 
foliage and wiry-like stems, and S. Seboldii variegata, similar to 
the preceding, except that the leaves are variegated with yellow, 
are considered the best. Will thrive in any soil and propagate 
readily by division or from cuttings, which, of some varieties, 
will root if simply laid where it is damp. 

SELAGINELLA — Lycopodium {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 55, 90°). 

Delicate plants of creeping and erect habits, with fine fol- 
iage, and which delight in warm, moist, partially shaded situ- 
ations, being, with the Ferns, an unequalled class of plants for 
fernery culture. Properly treated they are a delight to every 
cultivator, no matter what may be the extent of his collection. 
Propagated from cuttings. 
S. apus -A delicate little moss-like plant with small creeping 

stems. 
S. Cunninghamii — Tall, erect, Fern-like; deep green. 
S. densa — A dense species, resembliog a light green cushion of 

moss. 
S. denticulata — A pretty creeping kind; leaves dark green and 

rounded. 
S. denticulata aurea — A variety of the preceding marked with 

bright yellow. 
S. flabellata — Upright in growth and of a very deep green color. 
S. involvens — Small, closely-set foliage of a bright green color. 
S. lepidophjjllum — Dwarf, cushion-like, pale green. 
S. paradoxa — Very dark green; semi-erect; distinct. 
S. jiliiiiiosa—ljarge, spreading, erect, f(-rn-like. 
S. serjiens—0{ creeping habit; bright green, fading towards 

evening. 
S. uncinata — Brilliant, metallic, bluish foliage. 
S. War scewiczii -Ijuri^e, erect, pale green. 
S. Trt7de«or?t— Delicate bright green; fern-like. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 293 

SEMPERVIVUM REPENS {Greenhouse Perennial, 35, 40, 80°). 

May be justly called the miniature banyan tree. Its roots are 
sent downwards, and becomes stems of the plant for its support, 
and, when grown in a pan or shallow pot, it is a very interesting 
plant, and cannot fail to excite the curiosity of all who behold it. 

SENECIO (Greenhouse Perennial, U, 45, 80°). 

S. scandens (German or Parlor Ivy) — A ■well known, rapid-grow- 
ing climbing plant; well adapted for covering trellis work 
quickly or training in the parlor ; leaves glossy green, 
flowers yellow, in clusters. 

S. macroglosis — A variety of this popular plant, which is, per- 
haps, more valuable than the old sort. It resembles the 
English Ivy to such a degree that it is often mistaken 
for it ; the leaves have a metallic lustre, the veins and ribs 
being of a lighter color. It has the same strong; vigorous 
growth as the common German Ivy, and for baskets, etc., 
it is unsurpassed. 

SENSITIVE PLANT. (See Mimosa Sensitiva.) 

SMILAX. (See Myrsiphyllum Asparagoides). 

SNAP-DRAGON. (See Antirrhinum.) 

SNOWDROP. (See Galanthus.) 

SOLANUM— Jerusalem Cherry, Etc., {Greenhouse Perennial, 
33, 45 to 55, 90°). 

A genus of plants including several useful species for pot cul- 
ture in the window and conservatory and also for bedding. They 
are of the easiest possible culture, thriving in any soil and under 
apparently adverse circumstances. All may be easily raised from 
cuttings, and the free fruiting varieties from seed. 
S. jasminoides — Possesses a neat climbing habit, and has small, 
dark green foliage and pure white flowers ; suitable for 
training to a ti-ellis or pillars in the conservatory. 
S. pseudo-capsicum fol. far. —Is a dwarf variety of the above. 
Aside of its other good qualities, the foliage is margined 
with sulphur yellow to half the depth of the leaves. 
Whether used as a house plant, for bedding, or for vases or 
baskets, it is a useful plant. 



294 TIIE HOME FLORIST. 



S. pseudo-capsixytnn — Is the well known Jerusalem Cherry, pro- 
ducing a large crop of scarlet, cherry-like fruit, from early 
in the fall until after Christmas. Plants grown from seed 
are more productive of fruit the first season, than those 
struck from cuttings, or those several years old. Sow in 
the spring for full bloom, and bring forward during sum- 
mer either in ample sized pots, plunged in the open air, or 
else by planting them in the border and taking up and 
potting the plants in September. 

SPIREA {Hardy Herbaceous Perennials and Shrubs). 

A genus containing species natives of Europe, Asia, and 
America, and embracing both herbaceous plants and shrubs. 
They are all hardy, and produce showy flowers, usually in pani- 
cles, their prevailing colors being white, i)ink, crimson, etc. Of 
the easiest culture in any garden soil, the herbaceous varieties 
propagating by division of the roots. The Astilbe Japonica, 
which is treated upon elsewhere, belongs to this family. 
S. fiUpendula 2:>leno— Is a highly esteemed species, with deep 
green foliage of beautiful form, and clusters of pure white 
bloom, produced in June on stems from one to two feet 
high. There is also a variety of the last named one with 
variegated foliage and whitish flowers. 
S. Reevesiifl. pi. Beautiful pure white flowers. Veiy double, like 

small Roses, hardy. 
S. Thwibergia—A pretty wliite-floweiing variety, with narrow 
linear leaves. Valuable for forcing. 

STEPHANOTIS FLORIBUNDA {Greenhouse Perennial, 40, 55, 

95°). 

A noble greenhouse climber, can be planted out in the border of 
the house and trained over the pillars and roof, or can be grown 
in a pot with a trellis. It produces its waxy white flowers in clusters 
like Bouvardias, and has a delicious fragrance unsurpassed. Much 
esteemed by bouquet makers. 

STEVIA {Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 85°). 

The Stevias, although distinct from the Eupatoriums, are, in 
points of free-growing and winter flowering (pialities and their 
general reciuirements <|uite similar to tbatgcnus, being witli them 
also of the easiest culture and a valuable class of plants for the 



I 



THE HOME FLORIST. 295 

conservatory, and also useful for window culture. As to their 

management, follow the directions given for the Eupatoriums. 

S. compacta — An early flowering species, with large compact 
heads of pure white flowers; continues in flower nearly all 
wintei', and longer than any other variety of either Stevia 
or Eupatorium. 

S. serrata — A free-flowering species, blooming most freely about 
the holidays. The flowers are white, fragrant, and ar- 
ranged loosely and gracefully along the stems, 

S. serrata nana— A very distinct variety of the well-known win- 
ter-flowering Stevia Serrata. It never grows over eighteen 
inches high, and it produces a far denser mass of flowers 
than the old variety; the flowers are whiter, and it is a 
great improvement in every respect. 




A double flower of the StocJc. 

STOCK — Gillyflower {Half -Hardy Annuals, Biennials and 
Perennials). 

A genus of half -shrubby plants grown from seed, which pro- 
duce spikes of elegant, fragrant, single and double flowers of 
many desirable aud showy colors, including pure white. The 
plants are in no respect delicate, being easily grown by almost 
any one, and in the different sections afford varieties of the great- 
est value, either for bedding or for pot culture in the window, the 
conservatory (temperature 33, 45 to 55, 80°) or the open-air plant 
stand. Stock plants of every kind should be transplanted from 
the seed pots or beds in which they are started while they are 



296 THE HOME FLORIST. 



quite small, as their slender roots soon extend to such a distance 
that the plants cannot be taken up without loss of line rootlets, 
and consequent injury. 

Ten Week Stocks.— These are important annuals, ranking in 
general desirability with the Aster, Balsam, Phlox Drummondii, 
Portulaca, Zinnia, etc. , but are superior to any of these in their 
admirable adaptability to pot culture for blooming in the winter. 
The section includes varieties, ranging in growth from one-half 
to one and one-half feet in heiglit, which embrace a large variety 
of colors, such as white, bright crimson, carmine, blue, lilac, 
chamois, rose, blood-red, yellow, violet, purjile and various shades 
of these, most of which are beautiful, striking and fragrant, and 
a large percentage of the plants will produce flowers that are 
perfectly double. They delight in a well-enriclied soil. For 
summer flowering the seeds may be sown in the hot-bed or cold- 
frame in April, or the open ground in May, and the plants should 
stand twelve inches apart. For winter flowering, sow in July, 
August or September, and cultivate in pt)ts in the open ground 
until cool autumn weather, when they should be moved under 
protection, but still treated to an abundance of fresh air as late 
in the season as possible, and also frequently in winter. During 
their flowering season in pots, they will be benefited by occa- 
sional waterings with weak liquid manure. 

Autumnal or Intermediate Stocks. - This section are prized 
on account of their flowering late in the autumn and winter, 
which necessitates that they be grown in pots, and brought into 
the window or conservatory for blooming. For this purpose the 
seeds should be sown in the spring. Seeds may also be sown in 
July or August, for plants to flower in the spring, A large num- 
ber of bright and desirable colors are embraced. 

Emperor or Imperial Stocks,— Tliis desirable class of Stocks 
axe better suited for pot culture than for bedding, and are peren- 
nial in habit, frequently lasting for several years. If the seetis 
are sown in the spring they will bloom the following autumn, 
while for spring flowering they should be sown in July and Au- 
gust. The colors are white, rose and crimson, and the plants at- 
tain a height of about eighteen inches. 

Buompton Stocks. — The Brompton Stocks are biennial in habit, 
flowering in the winter or spring from seed sown the previous 
spring, in the window or conservatory. By wintering the 



THE HOME FLORIST. 297 

plants in a place sufficiently cool not to excite them into a free 
growth and flowering condition, they may be planted into the 
border early in the spring and will flower handsomely during the 
summer. If a good quality of seed is sown, more than one-half 
may be expected to produce double flowers. The flowers vary 
from straw color to pure white, and rose to deep purple and 
violet. 

STREPTOSOLEN JAMESONI (Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 45, 90°) 

Resembling in growth the Browallias, the leaves being rich, 
deep green, alternate: of a compact, bushy growth, flowering 
very profusely in numerous trusses; the flowers are lobed, nearly 
one inch in diameter, opening bright orange and passing to rich, 
deep cinnabar-red. It commences to flower early in March, con- 
tinuing quite full through June and July. 

SUNFLOWER. (See Helianthus.) 

SWEET PEA— Lathyrus (Hardy Annuals and Perennials). 

The flowering annual Peas are desirable and popular plants for 
the garden; excellent in every way for bouquets and cut flowers, 
and on the whole may be commended as one of the most essential 
plants to every collection. The flowers are delightfully fragrant, 
and yield a great variety of shades and colors, such as white, rose 
and wdiite, purple and white, scarlet, scarlet striped with white, 
black, black with light blue, brownish purple, etc. Being a per- 
fectly hardy annual, the seed may be sown as early in tlie spring 
as the soil can be prepared. Sow in clumps, groups or drills, 
placing sticks or other fixtures for the Peas to run upon, and 
otherwise ti'eat them the same as the common Garden Pea. By 
cutting the flowers as fast as they bloom and keeping the plants 
mulched, they will continue prolific all season. 

Perennial Pea (Everlasting Pea).— A beautiful climbing per- 
ennial, easily grown from seed. The flowers are red, white, rose-col- 
ored etc., and are produced in clusters in long succession. An ex- 
cellent plant for trailing to trellis, or an arbor, and is perfectly 
hardy. 

SWEET WILLIAM. (See Dianthus.) 



298 THE HOME FLORIST. 



TABERN^MONTANA CORONA RI A /. pi. {Greenhouse Peren- 
nial, 35, .05, 95). 

A stove shrub, bearing in profusion snow -white flowers of 
delightful fragrance. This is a highly valual>le plant where cut 
flowers are a requisite, and. should be cultivated in every 
collection. 

TAGETES SIGNATA PUMILIA. (See Marigold.) 

TECOMA JASMIISOIDES (Greenhouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80°) 

In style of growth this somewhat resembles some of the Jas- 
mine, though belonging to an entirely different family. Its 
flowers are tubular sha})ed, white, with a beautiful pink throat. 
It is naturally a climber, but can be grown in bush form by keep 
ing it well cut back; does well in the sitting room or greenhouse, 
or bedded out in summer. 

THUNBERGIA (Tender Annual). 

Trailing and climbing plants for the conservatory and for win- 
dow culture, being among our most valuable basket plants in 
protected situations, and are also suitable for bedding. The 
flowers are large, round, single and embrace peculiar colors, that 
are certain to be admired. These are such as yellow, orange and 
buff, with an intensely dark eye of large size in the center, and 
there is also a pure white variety. The seeds should be started 
early, in a warm place. The plants are of slow growth while 
young, but as warm weather comes on they advance rai)idly and 
flower constantly for a long time. 

THUNBERGIA (Greenhouse Peretinial, 36, 50, 95"). 

These are among our most useful greenhouse climbers requiring 
but little attention; can be run up the rafters or on trellis. 
T. Harrisii — An excellent vine for covering trellises, etc. The 

flowers are tubular m fomi, two inches in length, bright 

porcelain blue, with a yeUow throat. A free blooming 

plant of great merit 
r. /rf»f//vf;<.s— Same as preceding, but with pure wliite flowers of 

delicious fragrance. Much esteemed. 



^ 



1 



THE HOME FLORIST. 299 



THYME — Lemon Scented {Hardy Perennial). 

This plant is valuable for border decoration and for using in 
baskets and rustic designs. The leaves are variegated, there 
being two kinds, gold and silver. 

TIGRIDIA— Tiger Flower {Tender Bulbous Perennial). 

A bulbous plant for the garden, producing beautiful and curious 
large flowers for a long time in the summer. Their colors in the 
different varieties embrace orange, scarlet and white, with golden 
variegations, and are distinctly spotted with black. The bulbs 
may be planted in the open ground in May in warm situations, 
and should be lifted again early in October. After allowing them 
to dry, pack in dry sand or sawdust and store away from frosts and 
mice also, I may add, for these will eagerly devour them if an 
opportunity occurs. 

TORENIA ASIATICA {Greenhouse Perennial, 50, 65, 100"). 

One of the prettiest summer plants for vases or hanging baskets. 
Flowers blue, of a Gloxinia-like shape. Flowers during the 
summer months. 

TRADESCANTIA — Wandering Jew {Greenhouse Perennial, 34, 

40, 85°). 

Well known vines which are fine for hanging baskets and 
vases, or for brackets. Will also grow^ Avell in water making a 
drooping fringe of from two to four feet long. 

TR0P.iS10LUM — Nasturtium {Half Hardy Annuals and Green- 
house Perennials, 35, 50, 90"). 

A well-known genus, affording plants of strong-growing and 
free-flowering habits, some of which are of dwarf nature and 
others climbers. The flowers are attractive and showy in all the 
varieties, the prevailing colors being dark crimson, brilliant 
scarlet, dark orange, sulphur spotted with maroon, etc. There 
is a double flowering variety, of orange scarlet color, which, with 
Star of Fire and varieties belonging to the Lobbianura section, 
are mostly cultivated as perennials, being increased by cuttings. 



300 THE HOME FLORIST. 

The varieties which come under the headNasturtium, are grown 
from seed planted either in the open ground, or in heat, and after- 
wards set in the garden. Those classed with T. Majus, being 
climbers of rapid growth, make an excellent covering for old 
walls, trellises, etc.; while the varieties of T. Minus (Dwarf Nas- 
turtiums), from their close, compact growth and richly colored 
flowers, are suitable for bedding purposes. 

T. Star of Fire — Is an exceedingly useful and easily cultivated 
variety for pot culture in the conservatory, producing 
dazzling flowers in the greatest profusion, and climbing 
freely en a trellis, pillar or rafters, if planted in a large 
pot. By starting with young plants of this variety in the 
spring, keeping them in pots, and placing them in a light 
situation in the conservatory, each plant will produce luin- 
dreds of flowers from November until spring, of the follow- 
ing winter. 
Trop.eolum Peregrinum (Canary Bird flower).— This is a 
beautiful climber, with finely cut foliage, the flowers of which are 
a brigiit Canarv-j^ellow, and when half open have a pretty and 
fanciful likeness to little birds. Tlie plants are well adai)ted for 
covering trellises, etc. ; and are easily grown fi-om the seed, 
which may be sown dii-ectly where they are required, or in heat, 
afterwards transplanting the seedlings. In flower from July 
until frosts. 

TULIP {Hardy Bulb). 

The common Tulip is so well known as not to require any de- 
scription, sutfice it to say that it is esteemed for its luirdi- 
ness, ease of culture in any soil, and the amazing brilliancy of its 
flowers, which are produced early in the spring. Tlie genus com- 
prises numerous classes, including the early and latc« flowering, 
both double and single, the Parrot, Due Van Tliol, Bizarres and 
Byblooms, in different varieties and colors, all of wliii-li arc highly 
desirable. The gorgeous coloring in many of the improved 
varieties is remarkable, and a superiority can be claimed for the 
family in this respect over any otlier garden ])lants. Among 
the large and most double varieties, as well as the single, are to 
be found pure white, white striped with rose, intense sciirlet, 
velvety crimson, rich briglit yellow, glittering red, and many 
other distinct colors. Tulips should be planted in the autumn, 
as directed on page 32, at a distance of five or six inches apart, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



301 




Parrot Tulip. 



giving the tall, late varieties even a little more distance, and all 
a covering of about five inches of earth. The bulbs ai'e also valu- 
able for forcing in tlie window or conservatory m the winter, like 
Hyacinths, Crocus, etc., and special directions for theii" manage- 
ment here, are given elsewhere. 



TUBEROSE {Tender Bidh), 

This is a bulbous plant, far less commonly grown than its mer- 
its deserve, and producing many beautiful pure white, wax-like, 
sweet-scented, double flowers, on long, upright stalks. The only 
difficulty in the way of this flower being generally cultivated, is, 
that unless the tubers are started early, in artificial heat, our sea- 
sons in the North are not sufficiently long for it to flower in the 
open ground. Unlike the Gladiolus, Tigridia, and others, the 
bulbs also do not produce new bulbs each year for flowering the 
next. It is true that small bulblets form freely around the old 
one, with each season's growth, but these must be cultivated one, 
two or more jears before they will be sufficiently large for flow- 
ering. The first difficulty in the way of their culture named, may 
be overcome by starting the bulbs in pots, in a warm place, late 
in April and turning them into the garden soil the latter part of 



302 THE HOME FLORIST. 



May. Should frost, in September, threaten to destroy the flowers 
before all are expanded, no plants are easier to take up than 
these, and the roots may be carefully lifted, potted and 
removed to the conservatory or a warm, light window, 
where they can finish blooming. Although the Tuberose 
requii'es considerable heat to flower well, growing bulbs 
may be trausplanted, either in the spring or fall, with 
safety. If it is desired to secure new bulbs for flowering, the 
young bulblets should, in the fall or si)ring, be removed from the 
old bulbs and planted in a warm part of the garden, not earlier 
than the first of June, and then given clean culture until the first 
of October, This must be repeated each year with all that are 
desired for flowers, uutil they are strong enough to produce flow- 
ering shoots. The bulbs of this plant require, during the winter, 
to be kept in a dry condition, and where it is warm. The tem- 
perature should not fall far below 45% or else they may receive 
injury, from the germ of the next season's flowering shoot decay- 
ing, although the external appearance would never indicate it. 
The Tuberose is susceptible of being managed to flower in winter 
by keeping the bulbs dry and starting them at any time, or at 
intervals for succession up to August 1st; but they require a situ- 
ation where the thermometer, in the night-time, will indicate at 
least 60°, and ten or fifteen degrees higher during the day, other- 
wise any attempt to force them must prove fruitless. 

TRITOMA UVARI A— Red-hot Poker {nearly Hardy Perennial). 

This beautiful garden plant throws up. in September, numer- 
ous strong flower stems four feet in height, which are each sur- 
mounted with a spike of red and yellow flowers of exceeilingly 
striking appearance. Although the Tritoma is nearly hardy in 
this latitude, it is better to take up the plants in autumn and keep 
them in a cool cellar or cold-pit, covering the roots with earth or 
sand. Of the easiest culture, and they will thrive in any garden 
soil. 

VALLOTA PURPUREA {Tender Bulb). 

This is a superb sununer flowering bulb for pot culture, and 
also suitable for bedding. It is easily grown, and in August 
throws uj) its flowering slioots a foot or more high, each of wliith 
is surmounted by five to eight lily-like flowers, of a brilliant 
scarlet color. During its season of growth the plant should be 



THE HOME FLORIST. 303 

abundantly watered, and exposed to tl^.e sun as much as possible. 
In October water should be gradually withheld, allowing the 
roots to become fully dry by November, in which condition they 
should be kept in any dry place, away from the frost, until March, 
when they may by applying water be started into growth again 
for another season of flowering. 

VERBENA {Annual or GreenJiouse Perennial, 33, 45, 80°). 

The Verbena is in every respect a desirable bedding plant, but 
of little use for pot culture. In the open air it is a rapid grower, 
an abundant bloomer, and the flowers in the varieties embrace 
colors and sliades, varied without end almost, and exceedingly 
bright and attractive; indeed there is not a dull color to be found 
among them. Verbenas set out in May require but a warm shower 
to start them into rapid growth, and tlie plants will, in the hot 
weather of June, assume a spreading form, and from then 
on be continually in bloom. By August the upright single 
stem plant that was set in May, will have extended to three feet 
across, and will at all times be covered with scores of beautiful, 
bright and in some varieties, fragrant flowers. Verbenas will 
thrive in any soil, but, without exception, it should be in a 
good state of fertility. I would particularly caution inexpe- 
rienced growers against planting too close in the beds ; three feet 
is near enough. Do not grow them on the same spot too often, 
as they do much better on fresh soil. After the jjlant has made 
some growth, the stems should be pegged down to the ground 
with hair-pins, or little sticks like matches, four inches long 
crossed over them. The Verbena is most generally increased 
from cuttings, although it can be easily raised from seed. The 
advantage of adopting the former method is, that the splendid 
named varieties can be maintained pure beyond a doubt from 
year to year, while it can never be known exactly what colors 
will come from the seed. Seed grown Verbenas also lack the fine 
form of the selected, named varieties, each of which is likely to 
equal the best that could be selected from among thousands 
growTi from seed. In the winter, stocic plants require a cool, 
light, airy situation, on which account it is a difficult naatter to 
keep up healthy ones in a window. Where it is desired to keej) 
over stock it is far better to start with young jjlants that were 
propagated from cuttings, in September, than to take up jind 
keep over the old plants. Propagation for bedding in the spring 



304 THE HOME FLORIST 




Verbt^nas. 

maj' be done at any time from January until April, but the young 
plants should be given as much liglit and air as possilile. To 
grow seedlings, sow in February, March or April, provide plenty 
of light and air, and never allow them to be crowded. Verbenas, 
if well hardened, will bear some freezing without its killing them. 

Verbena Montana. {Hardy Verbena).— This is a pretty, free- 
growing hardy plant, for the garden. Tlie flowers are simi- 
lar in form to the tender varieties; of a briglit rose color, chang- 
ing to lilac, and are produced in great profusion all sumnif r. The 
plant is of low spreading habit, and very handsome when covered 
with bloom. 

VERONICA (Half-Hardy Perenuial 30, 45, 75°). 

A class of plants blooming during the fall months, that are 
well adapted for bedding and pot culture. The flowers are borne 
on spikes from three to five inclies in lengtli, running througli 
the various shades of purple, rose, lilac and wliite, and are attrac- 
tive. The plants succeed in any soil, and when growing in the 
garden may be taken up and preserved in a cold-pit during winter 



THE HOME FLORIST. 305 




Veronica. 
or may be kept in a cool part of the conservatory. There is 
a handsome variegated variety which is liighly attractive, either 
as a pot, basket or vase plant, or for bedding. 

VIBURNUM, SNOWBALL {Hardy Shrub). 

The common and well known Snowball shrvib is a strong, hardy 
grower, covered when in bloom with large balls of pure white 
flowers, really resembling balls of snow, but much pleasanter for 
snowballing purposes than real snow. 

V. plicatum — This is a new variety introduced from Japan and is 
said to be superior to the old sort, being of dwarfer growth. 

VIEGINIAN STOCK {Hardy Annual). 

This beautiful little annual is a native of the shores of the 
Mediterranean. The seeds may be sown directly where the plants 
are wanted, early or at any time in the spring. The plants grow 
six inches high, and embrace in the respective varieties, red, 
white and rose colored flowers. The flowers are small and distinct; 
are produced in great profusion on erect stems well above the 
plant, from early in the season until after frosts. Useful for 
massing and in ribbon beds, and may also be grown as an edging 
plant. The plants to flower well should stand not closer than 
three or four inches apart. 



3o6 



THE HOME FLORIST. 




i 



Snoidndl. 

VIOLET {Hardy Perennial], 

Famous spring flowering plants, very highly esteemed for 
their earliness, and the rich refreshing fragrance of the flow- 
ers, Avhicli include shades of color from violet to white in the dif- 
ferent sorts. There are double and single varieties, the for- 
mer being most highly prized, although they lack somewliat in 
hardiness. These are forced extensively for winter flowers, 
in all the large cities whei'e a good demand for cut flow- 
ers exist. Plants designed for this purpose, are grown in the 
open ground during the summer, at a foot apart each way. In 
August these are gone over, and the runners which start 
into growth about this time are removed by pinching them 
close to the plants. This operation is repeated every few weeks, 
and in October the plants are taken up and potted, or if to be 
forced in tlie conservatory they may be planted directly in the 
beds. The plants will not bear close confinement, and a crop of 
flowers can only be expected where the plants are kept cool (32. 
45, 75°) and treated to an abundance of fresh air. The double 



THE HOME FLORIST. 30/ 

varieties may be wintered with entire safety in a cold-pit, or by 

receiving protection in the open ground. Out of doors for per- 
manent, all the violets delight in cool places, and a little shade. 

Pi'opagate by division and cuttings. 

V. Belle de Chatenay — New double white "Violet. The flowers 
are pure white, most delicately perfumed; of immense 
size, and very double. 

V. Double Blue — Light blue. 

V. King of Violets — Large and double, indigo shaded with 
violet. 

V. Lackawana — Single dark blue, very fragrant, fine for forcing. 

V. Marie Louise — Dark blue flowers, larger than the Neapolitan. 

V, Princess Louise — Double white. 

V. Queen of Whites — Fine double white, very fragrant . 

V. White Czar — Producing very large single flowers, sweetly 
scented. Flowers said to be larger than any other known 
in this class; strong growth and free flowering. 

V. Swanley White — In this we have that great desideratum, a pure 
white Violet, which is never tinged with pink or purple 
under any conditions. It will be equally valuable as the 
purple variety Marie Louise, from which it is a sport, 
for forcing, as its flowers are the same size and are as freely 
produced as in that variety. Exquisitely fragrant. The 
Swanley White will be a novel feature in bridal bouquets 
and other fine floral work. 

WALL FLOWER— Cherianthus Cheiri (Half Hardy Perennial). 

This is a well-known plant, of the easiest culture from seed, 
and suitable for pot or garden culture. It commences flowering 
in the spring of the second season after sowing; during the pre- 
ceding winter it should be kept in the cellar, cold-pit, or cool part 
of the conservatory. There are handsome double and single 
flowers, very fragrant, with orange and yellow colors predom- 
inating, and these shaded with red, brown or violet. 

WAX PLANT. (See Hoya). 

WEIGELA ROSEA {Hardy Shrub). 

This is one of the most useful hardy shrubs for borders, etc. It 
is very ornamental when in flower during June and July. The 



3o8 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



flowei-s, which are produced in great abundance, are of a rose 
color. There is a Variegated Leaved variety which is very hand- 
some, and a number of other fine kinds. 

WISTARIA— Chinese Glycine {Hardy Climber). 

One of the most popular hardy vines, growing rapidly, climb- 
ing to a heiglit of fifty feet or more, and when in bloom present- 
ing a truly magnificent appearance. 
W. Sinensis — The favorite, producing thousands of rich clusters 

or pendulous racemes of delicate violet-blue blossoms, 

richly perfumed. 
W. Sinetisis alba — A white variety of the above. 



XERANTHEMUM {Hardy Annual). 

A class of everlasting flowers, possessing much merit for dry- 
ing for winter decoration. There are white and several shades 
of light purple flowers, which are double and borne on long sub- 
stantial stems that retain their strength witli drying. The plants 
are robust and easily grown from seed, which starts readily and 
may be sown in heat or where the plants are wanted. 

YUCCA FILAMENTOSA— Adam's Needle {Hardy Perennial). 

A tropical-looking plant, with long narrow leaves that remain 
green the e«tire year. It throws up a strong flower-stem in sum- 
mer, three to four feet high, bearing a large spike of creamy- 
white, bell-shaped flowers, which retain their beauty a longtime. 

ZINNIA, DOUBLE {Half-Hardy Annual). 

The improved Double Zinnia of the present day is emphatically 
one of the most valuable annuals that can be grown, and deserv- 
ing of a place in every flower garden. The plant is robust, free- 
growing and exceedingly prolific of bloom, and may be easily 
raised from seed sown under glass, transplanting the plants when 
small, or the seed may be sown in the open ground, as soon as 
danger from frost is over. The flowers from good seed are of a 
beautiful form and texture, perfectly double in the best sorts, 
and afford white, scarlet, yellow, purple, salmon, violet and other 
colors in the different varieties. They begin to appear wlien the 
plants are very young, retain their attractiveness for a long time, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



309 



and increase in number and beauty until hard frosts. While 
the flowers of the Zinnia, like those of many other choice double 
seed-grown plants, will not invariably come double, yet enough 
may be depended upon to produce a large percentage of double blos- 
soms from the best strains of seed. Let the plants be set six or 
seven inches apart, in rows twenty inches apart, and then as they 
come in flower thin out the poorest, and thus retain plenty of 
those of superior quality. This thinning must be done with cau- 
tion, and several flowers should be allowed to form on a plant be- 
fore deciding whether to pull it up or not, for plants which will 
in season produce the most double flowers, frequently show their 
first ones only partially double. The Zinnia will thrive in any 
good garden soil. 




3IO 



THE HOME FLORIST. 



THE FLOKICULTURAL OPERATIONS OF 
THE YEAR ARRANGED BY WEEKS. 



The successful cultivation of plants and flowers depends large- 
ly on the performance of all the work connected therewith, at 
the right times, and some kind of a reminder of the various 
operations as they should occur, is serviceable to cultivators and 
especially to those who can devote but a small portion of their 
time to floriculture. The following will be found an arrange- 
ment of the various operations of the florist during the year, 
into fifty-two parts, which are respectively adapted to the fifty- 
two weeks of a year. It is most perfect in its application, to 
latitudes between 42° and 43% and persons living north and south 
of this should calculate somewhat upon the difference between 
their own latitude and this one in making use of tlie arrangement. 

In dividing a year into fifty-two weekly parts, each week for 
the sake of convenience may begin on the same day that the first 
week beginning with January 1 commences on; thus, January 
1 falling on Wednesday, so January 8, January 15, and all the 
dates given below will fall on Wednesday, and so of any other 
day of the week. The only exception to tliis is after February 
29, during a leap-year, and here the difference one day is so 
slight as to be of little consequence. 

The matter under each weekly head is designed for the week 
commencing at tlie date given. Although nearly all the opera- 
tions named may with safety be performed either at a time ])re- 
cetling or following the week under which they appear, tho.se 
printed in italics are of general interest at the seaso7i in which 
they are given, without reference to the particular week they 
may be under. 

The following abbreviations are made use of : W for Window; 
Con. for Conservatory; O. A. for Open Air; C. P. for Cold-Pit; 
W. F. for Winter Flowering. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 31I 

January 1 — First Week. 

Read in the preceding pages all about the required temperature, 
adaptability and culture of each plant included in the collection. 
Pay strict attention to airing ivhen the weather is mild, watering, 
destroying insects, etc., in the Con., W. and C. P. — See Dec. 17 
and Oct. 15. Give Callas, hardy forcing bulbs, etc., (see list Oct. 
8) plenty of water. Fuchsias at rest may be started. Repair at 
once any glass happening to get hi'oken. 

January 8 — Second Week. 

Give plants in W. extra protection during severe nights. Study 
and decide early what improvements it would be desirable to make 
about the grounds; also to what extent you will engage in, or in- 
crease upon floriculture during the coming year. Ascertain the 
number of plants, etc., required, and govern subsequent propa- 
gations, the i)rocuring of plants, seeds, etc., accordingly. 

January 15 — Third Week. 

Continue to bring in kinds named under Oct. 8, and Roses, etc., 
under Oct. 29. Tie up Hyacinths and other flowering plants. 
Keep Pelargoniums near the light. Syringe and wash plants, etc. 
see Nov. 26. See that dormant Carina and other tubers, etc., 
named under Oct. 8, are not suffering from any cause. 

January 22— Fourth Week. 

Seeds under Feb. 19 may be sown, for early. As bulbs pass out 
of flower, cut away the flower stalks. Keep the earth in the pots 
mellow at the top. — See Dec. 17. 

January 29 — Fifth Week. 

Make hot-bed sash, etc. — see Dec. 10. Studij to improve plants 
by pruning. Encourage W. F. Roses, etc . , by occasionally ap- 
plying liquid manure. 

February 5— Sixth Week. 

February is the month for propagating from cuttings, all kirds 
of common soft-wooded plants in the W. and Con. for adornment 
during the coming year, and nearly everything will now strike 
readily, therefore, as fast as suitable growth is afforded make cut- 
tings and propagate . After Poinsettias have flowered, rest them. 
Provide seedling Plants named under Aug. 20, and Oct. 29, with 
an abundance of pot room, air, and light, and they will grow 
rapidly. 

February 12 — Seventh Week. 

Continue to bring in for forcing, kinds named under Oct. 8, and 
Roses, etc., under Oct. 29. StartT Chrysanthemums to propagate 
from. Provide an abundance of nianm-e outside for future 



312 THE HOME FLORIST. 

February 19 — Eighth Week. 

Seeds of Pansy, Verbena, Salvia Splendens, Petunia, Stock, 
Sweet Alj'Ssum, Mimulus, Manrandia, Ice Plant, Sensitive Plant, 
Delphinium, Dianthus, Antirrhinum may now be sown to secure 
stronj? plants for spring and summer flowering. As the season ad- 
vances platifs will need viore ivater, and should have an increase 
of air; be ever on guard against insects — see Oct. 15, Dec. 17. 
Have clean pots and good soil on hand for newly-started plants. 

February 26— Ninth Week. 

See that implements, vases, etc., for summer use are in repair. 
Give all cuttings close attention. Perfect plans as alluded to un- 
der Jan. 8. Water abundantly all plants that are being forced. 
Give the Fernery daily attodion—see Dec. 24. See that climbers 
of all kinds have suitable support. 

March 5— Tenth Week. 

See fliat a proper quantity of stock is coming on, either by 
propagation or otherwise. Propagation from cidtings shoidd 
still go on for sprhig 2)lants, and Chrysanthemums, Eupatoriums, 
Stevias, Eoses, Carnations, Violets, Libonia, Laurestinus, Jas- 
minums, W. F. Fuchsias, Cytisus, Chorozema, Abutilons, etc. , for 
W. F. be struck. Pinch back the shoots of newly started phtnts 
to induce a stocky growth. Pot cuttings as soon as possible after 
they are rooted. Dormant Lemon Verbenas, Richardias. Ges- 
neras, Mimulus, and the like, may be started to grow. Out door 
work, such as grading, trenching, etc., shoidd be commenced as 
early as the soil can be worked, bid beicare of digging stiff, loamy 
soil when it is wet. 

March 12 — Eleventh Week. 

Kinds named under Oct. 8. and Roses, etc., under Oct. 29, may 
still be brought in. Provide pot plants trith all the room needed 
for developing good forms now that they ((re grounng fast. See 
""As the Season Advances,'^ etc., Feb, 19, also Oct. 15 and Dec. 17. 

March 19— Twelfth Week. 

From the time Camellias start into growth until antumn they 
require to be shaded from the sun; u'ill also need more water, fre- 
quent syringing and may be pruned if desirable. Attend to air- 
ing Ferneries, see Dec. 24. Hot-l)eds may be made for general 
purposes. If Anemone Hortensis tubers have been kept over, 
plant at first opportunity. Double white Primroses may be prop- 
agated by cuttings or division, 

March 26— Thirteenth Week. 

Seeds of Gomplirena. Cobrea, Aniaranthus, Celosia, Ipomoea, 
Thunbergia, Canary Pird Flower, Canna. etc., may be sown in heat. 
Hot-beds should be very carefully aired, iratered and protected ; 
allow for the admittance of a little air during the night time 



THE HOME FLORIST. 313 



when the weather is mild. Lilies may be started in pots. Olean- 
ders, Oranges and Lemons, Cactus, Pomegranates, Hydrangeas, 
may be started into new growth ; repotting if needed. Calceo- 
larias, Cinerarias, Pelargoniums, may be treated to liquid manure 
occasionally. Give cutting dose attention ; pot off tchen slightly 
rooted. Bedding and other plants in pots will do ivell in a good 
hot-bed. Push out-door ivork as the season tcill alloiv. A good 
share of the protection applied to beds, plants, etc., in the fall 
should be removed if not yet done. Sodding may be done as 
soon as the ground is settled. 

April 2— Fourteenth Week, 

Cuttings may still • be made of Verbenas, Petunias, Achyran- 
thes, Coleus, Salvias, Heliotropes, Fuchsias, German Ivy, etc., for 
summer decoration, and the kinds named under March 5th for W. 
F. Seeds of Acroclinum, Aster, Balsam, Browalia, Cacalia, 
Celosia, Helichrysum, Helipterum, Japanese Maize, Marigold, 
Petunia; Ricinus, Phlox Drummondii, Portulaca, Scabiosa, 
Stocks of all kinds, Tropaeolum, Wall Flower, Xeranthemum, 
Double Zinnia, and those named under Feb. 19 may be sown in 
heat. If the soil is dry Hardy Perennials may be taken up, 
divided and reset, as required, and Lilies be planted. 

April 9— Fifteenth Week. 

Not much fii'e heat is likely to be needed after this date in the 
Con. — see ''As the Season Advances," etc., v)ider Feb. 19. Dah- 
lias, Caladiums, Cannas, Amaryllis, Vallota, and similar things, 
maybe started in heat. As the soil becomes Jit, Candytuft, Sweet 
Pea, Convolvulus minor. Mignonette, Clarkia, Sweet Alyssum, 
Briza, Coix Lachryma, Lupinus, may be sown in the O. A. 
Overhaul plants remaining in the C. P. and give almost full ex- 
posure to the air. 

April 16 — Sixteenth Week. 

Keep ivatch of the seed-beds, watering when necessary, removing 
weeds, and thinning and transplanting plants that stand too 
close. Watch for and destroy all insects in the W., Con., etc., as 
with warm weather they multiply rapidly— see Dec. 17. If W. 
plants can be set outdoors during a warm shower they will be 
benefited. Early hanging baskets may be planted. Sow lawns, 
if ready. Divide and reset edgings of Statice. Plant out Trito- 
mas, etc. Secure plenty of loamy turf, manure, refuse hops, etc., 
for potthig soil. 

April 23— Seventeenth Week. 

Start Tuberose bulbs in a warm place. Pot up and shade 
young Double White Primroses. Cold-frames may be sown with 
seeds named under April 2, etc. Hot-beds may still be sown. If 
they have been well aired, Carnations, Pinks, Violets, for W. F., 
etc. , also Veronicas, Penstemons, and Pansies, may be planted 
out. Make a planting of Gladiolus, and continue doing so at 
intervals of ten days or two weeks, until June 15. 



314 THE HOME FLORIST. 

April 30— Eighteenth Week. 

Give an abundance of air to all plants; attend to pinching back 
Buch as need it. All plants will need close attention now as 
regards watering, lest they suffer frt)in drying out — see Feb. 19 
and Dec. 17. See "Keep watch of Seed-beds, etc., April 1(5. 
Mow the lawn as soon as a little growth of grass has been made; 
repeat every two weeks or oftener, during the season. 

May 7— Nineteenth Week. 

If well-hardened, Roses, Verbenas, and the hardiest annuals 
and other plants may be set out. See " Transplanting." Seeds 
may be sown in the O. Ai of Animated Oats, Aniaranthus, 
Amobium, Antirrhinum, Aster. Browalia, Cacalia, Calendula, 
Calliopsis, Campanula, Agrostemma, Clarkia, Morning Glorj-, 
Erysimum, Escholtzia, Godetia, Grasses, Gypsophila, Helian- 
thiis, Kelichrysuni, Leptosiphon, Nemophila, Pansy, Petunia, 
Phlox Drummondii. Poppy, Portulaca, Salpiglossis, Scabiosa, 
Ten-week Stock, Tropaeolum, Virginian Stock, Xeranthemum, 
Double Zinnia besides those named under Aug. 13. The ventila- 
tors of the Con. may be kept open almost constantly. See tfuit 
no Red-Spider affect Moses, Fitchsias, etc. This is a very small 
insect appearing on the under-side of leaves, in large mmibers, 
and causing them to turn brown and finally to drop — see May 21. 
Cut away flower stems of bulbs out of bloom, but let the leaves 
grow. 

May 14— Twektieth Week. 

The planting out of all but the most tender plants may go on. 
Plant out Daiilia tubers. Sow seeds of Solanum in pots, for 
autumn and winter decoration, and in the oyjen air tender aniuials, 
such as Balsam, Calandrina, Celosia, Helipterum, Japanese Maize, 
Marigold and Mirabilis. Keep a lookout for JRose Saw-flies — see 
"Insects Injurious to Eoses,'' page 117. 

May 21— Twenty-first Week. 

The glass of the Con. may be shaded, except over Noisette and 
other Roses. These shoidd be syringed frequently, as also should 
Camellias, Fuchsias and other 2>lants kept in duriiig summer. To 
create moisture for preventing attacks of I-ied Sftider, water 
should (dso at all times be freely used on the tcalks and about the 
Con. The ventilators should be kept open, Azaleas may be re- 
potted and moved out; also Agaves, Caladiums, Dracenas and 
other ornamental pot plants, designed for the lawn, etc. Winter- 
flowering Roses, Bouvardia, Jasminums, Poinsettias, and those 
named March 5, to be grown in pots during summer, should be 
moved to the O. A. and carefully plunged in soil or otiier sub- 
stance to prevent their drying out; each one should be jjlaced on 
a stone, pot-sherd or slate, to prevent angle worms entering 
through the hole below. House plants may be moved to summer 
quarters. Vases, hanging baskets, etc., maj"^ be j)ut out, ami new 
ones still be planted. Fuchsias, Geraniums, Ageratums, Cupheas, 



THE HOME FLORIST. 315 

Petunias, Heliotropes, etc., make handsome pot plants for fall 
blooming if propagated now, and kept pinched back for eight 
weeks. Plant out Bouvardia, started Dahlias, Coleus. also Tig- 
ridia, Amaryllis, Vallota, and sow Ricinus, Acroclinium, Rhod- 
anthe, Ipomcx?a and oiher tender seeds. If not yet done, W. F. 
Fuchsiaa should be given a rest. 

May 28— Twenty-second Week. 

Tropteolums and Heliotropes, for W. F., may be propagated; 
also a general collection of such things as will be useful for win- 
ter decoration, including plants with ornamental foliage, and for 
Ferneries, also Ivies, and the freest -growing plants named under 
March 5. New lawns yet to be sown, should be seeded with as 
little delay as possible. Any of the seeds named under May 7-14, 
etc., may still be sown in the O. A. Be prepared to destroy Rose 
Slugs as they appear — See June 18, also July 9. 

June 4— Twenty-third Week. 

Planting of Geraniums. Verbenas, and all started bedding 
plants is still in order. Set out young Tuberose bulblets. Callas 
should be given a rest of several months when done flowering. 
Keep Double White Primroses in shade and give plenty of space. 

June 11 — Twenty-fourth Week. 

Pinch back Carnations, Bouvardia, and other W. F. plants that 
require it. After all plants for out-doors have been moved from 
the Con. it should be thoroughly cleaned for the summer. Wash 
empty pots. Watch for and destroy Chafers on Pose bushes. 

June 18 — Twenty-fifth Week. 

Peg down Verbenas and other trailing bedding plants. See 
"Slimmer Culture,'" ''Watering Plants," etc.," "Removal of Ma- 
tured Flowers." Moiv the lawn frequently. Maintain neatness in 
all parts of the grounds. Water hanging baskets, vases, pot 
plants, etc., abundantly. Syringe and use ivater freely in the 
Con., not neglecting Camellias. Provide Sweet Pea, Morning 
Glory, and all other climbers with support, as needed. 

June 35— Twenty-sixth Week. 

Repot, if necessary, Roses, and other W. F. plants named and 
alluded to under May 21, and keep well watered and plunged. 
Propagation of plants named and alluded to under May 28 may 
still go on. As strong young shoots of Perennials, Roses, 
Shrubs, etc., are formed, layering may be done. 

July 2— Twenty-Seventh Week. 

Any building or improvement of Conservatories which is con- 
templated, also repairing of glass, etc , should be done, to have 
them ready for plants in Sept. and Oct. Sweet Alyssum, Ten- 
week Stock, Mignonette, and the other kinds named under Aug. 
20, may be soivn for W. F. Candytuft, Mignonette. Phlox, 
Erisymum, may be sown in O. A. or frames for late blooming. 



3l6 THE HOME FLORIST. 

i^ 

July 9— Twenty-eighth Week. 

Keep edgings clipped, and cut the edges of grass borders occa- 
sionally. Alloio no weeds to groiv either in the tvalks or beds. 

July 16— Twenty-ninth Week. 

Layering of Carnations, Pinks, Roses, etc., should receive at- 
tention ivhere suitable growth is afforded — see June 11 and 18. 

July 23— Thirtieth Week. 

Should the season prove dry, Dahlias, Carnations, newly-plant 
ed trees, etc., will be benefited by mulching. Plants alluded to 
under May 38 may still be propagated. Seeds of the kinds named 
under August 13 and 20 may be sown thus early. 

July 30— Thirty-first Week. 

Pinch and use the knife freely on monthly Roses aiid all i-ajnd- 
growing 2)lunts— see "Pviining." For potting soil, see April 16. 
After they are done flowering give Pelargoniums a rest. For 
'Rtist on Roses" — see page 118. 

August 6— Thirty-second Week. 

Callas may be started to grow. Keep flowering Dahlias, Glad- 
iolus, Lilies, etc., tied to stakes. The re-potting of Oleanders, 
etc., named under March 26, is seasonable, after they have made 
a growth. Carnations, for early winter flowers should receive 
their last heading back. 

August 13— Thirty-third Week. 

Winter-flowering Fuchsias may be started. Propagation of 
Greraniums and otlier plants alluded to under Sept. 10 may be be- 
gun. As they require it re-pot W. F. plants named and aihuled 
to under May 21. Sow Seeds of Pansy, HoUyliock. Delphinum, 
Dianthus, Aquilegia, Canterbury Bells, Digitalis, Lychnis, 
Myosotis, Perennial Poppy, Lobelia Cardinalis, Antirrliinum, and 
all other Perennials and Biennials — sec June 18, alsuJidy 11. 

August 20— Thirty-fourth Week. 

Sow for winter and spring decoration, Calceolaria, Cineraria, 
CoUea Scandens, Cyclamen, Primula, Smilax, Ten- Week Stock. 
For drying everlastings gather before fully expanded, tie in small 
bnnche.s, and hang in the shade. In gathering seed, save that only 
from the best flowers. 

August 27— Thirty-fifth Week. 

Provide pots, potting soil, fuel, etc. Lilium Candithiin may 
now bo reset. Layering may still be kept up. 

September 3— Thirty-sixth Week. 

Givcj Fuchsias rest as they cease to flower. Remove runners, 
and cut back W. F. Violets— see July 2. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 317 



September 10— Thirty- seventh Week. 

Bouvardias and others of the more tender plants for winter 
decoration also Tuberoses not yet done flowering, may be taken 
up and potted. Propagation of a general stock of tender plants 
should be engaged in, which are to be increased during the fall 
and winter for spring and later use. Those named under October 
1 may be deferred until then. Repot such W. F. plants named 
and alluded to under May 21 as require it. 

September 17 — Thirty-eighth Week. 

Hardy bulbs named under Oct. 8 may be planted in the O. A. or 
started for forcing. Be o)i your guard against frosts, and pro- 
tect for a iveek or two longer, or take in, all W. F. plants, for the 
window or conservatory. Vases, hanging baskets and the showy 
pot plants named under May 21, may be left out longer by care- 
fully protecting in cool and frosty nights. 

September 24— Thirty-ninth Week. 

See "Treatment of Plants designed for W. F.," also Roses. 
Pelargoniums may be cut back and started into growth. Give 
cuttings close attention daily, and see "■Keep ivatcJi of seed-beds," 
etc.. April 16. Lift Carnations, Violets and other plants of a 
similar degree of hardiness, that are designed for winter flower- 
ing. Propagation should continue to go on with all tender 
plants. A little fire heat may be needed on cool, frosty nights. 
— See Oct, 15. The bulbs under Oct. 8, may be planted. 

October 1— Fortieth Week. 

Ferneries for winter adornment may be planted. Petunias, 
Centaureas, Carnations, Pinks, can be propagated better now 
than earlier; Verbenas strike well yet. Chrysanthemums may be 
stimulated unth liquid manure. Pot cuttings, soon as they are 
rooted : thin out, transplant or pot any seedlings ivhich may re- 
quire it. Sow, for early plants next year, Clarkia, Calliopsis, 
Candytuft, Erysimum, Mignonette, Nemophila, Perennial and 
Sweet Pea, Larkspur. 

October 8— Forty-first Week. 

Now is the time for planting in the O. A. , or starting in pots, 
etc., for forcing, the hardy bulbs of Hyacinth, Tulip, Crocus, 
Narcissus, Jonquil, Lilium Longiflorum, Iris, Crown Imperial, 
Snowdrop, etc. After sharp frosts, take up, dry and store away 
for winter, Canna, Caladium, Dahlia, Amaryllis, Gladiolus, Tig- 
ridia, and Tuberose, bulbs, etc. Commence drying off Vallota. 

October 15 — Forty-second Week. 

Give plants in the Con., W. and the C. P., an abundance of air 
daily as long as the iceather unll admit, and also some later all 
during the winter. By no chance allow a higher temperature to 
exist at night than would be suitable in the daytime, neither strive 



3l8 THE HOME FLORIST. 



to keep ashigh (t degree in cJoudy weather nsin clear; never sub- 
ject plants of any kind, and especially Roses, to strong drafts of 
air ; open ventilators in the Con. on the side away from the tvind 
in cold weather. Secure Lemon Verbena plants. Haul, manure, 
sand, etc., under shelter for winter use. See " Taking Up Plants 
in the Fall." On Insects, Watering, etc.— See Dec. 17. 

October 22— Forty-third Week. 

Take up Feverfews, Penstemons, Veronicas, for stock plants. 
Oleanders and other hard-wooded plants named under Marcli 2(5, 
may be placed in winter quarters. Water Callas abundantly. 

October 29— Forty-fourth Week. 

Sweet Alyssum, Mignonette, Ten week Stock, Maurandia, 
Browalia, etc., may be sown for winter and spring decoration. 
Yoking plants of Carnation, Chrysanthemum, Stevia, Eupator- 
ium. Pink, Violet, that are too small for flowering, maybekept 
safely during tvinter at a night temperature o/40° to 45\ Roses, 
Deutzias, Dicentras, Lily of the Vallej^ Pinks, Daisies, Violets, 
Astilbe Japonica, for winter and spring forcing, may be taken up, 
potted and stored in the C. P. or cellar. In taking them in from 
the C. P., etc., during winter, never commence forcing too rapidly; 
the same tvith hardy bidbs. 

November 5 — Forty-fifth Week, 

Hardy Indbs named under Oct. 8, may be planted in the O. A., 
as long as the ground remains open, and be started for forcing 
two months yet. Fall. struck cuttings and seedling jjlants in small 
pots .should be .shifted as required. Be very particular not to al- 
low the seedlings, named under Aug. 20, to become jjot-bound. 

November 12— Forty-sixth Week. 

At this season the grounds should be cleaned up generally; 
vases, etc., secured; rubbish and dead i)lants removed; manure 
applied; beds worked over, etc. The earliest .started Indbs, for 
forcing, named under Oct. 8 may be brought in. On the care of 
Ferneries, see page Til and under Dec. 24. 

November 19— Forty-seventh Week. 

Protect, by laying down or otherwise, Roses, Shrubs, etc., be- 
fore the winter sets in severely; mulch the roots for a good dis- 
tance around. Ft^r airing, temperature, etc., of the Con. and 
W., see Oct. 15. For wateHng plants, destroying insects, etc., see 
Dec. 17. 

November 26— Forty-eighth Week. 

Improi'e plants by pinchi)ig and pruning. Wash the foliage of 
Ivies, Wa.r Plant, Camellias and other hou.sr }>lants occasionally, 
and syringe Hoses in the Con. frequently. Cuttings of such plants 
OS stock appears .short of .should be made at first opportunity. See 
"Removal of Matured Flowers," page 31. 



THE HOME FLORIST. 319 



December 3— Forty-ninth Week. 

As soon as the ground is frozen, a dressing of straw or hay 
should be applied to beds of fall-planted hardy bulbs. Pansies, 
and other fall-grown seedlings. Top-dress the lawn with well- 
rotted manure if the soil has become impoverished. Chrysanthe- 
mums, after flowering should be cut down and moved to the 
cellar, under Con. staging or some other similar place. See that 
Tuberose bulbs are stored in a warm place; also that all bulbs, 
seeds, tubers, etc. , are secure and safe from frost, mice, etc. 

December 10 — Fiftieth "Week. 

Give extra protection to plants in the W. in severe cold nights. 
Bring in, for forcing, kinds named under Oct. 8 and Roses, etc., 
under Oct. 29. During the leisiire of winter viake hot-bed sash, 
mats, rustic work, trellises, etc. 

December 17— Fifty-first Week. 

Keep the earth melloro in pots, and the p>ots clean. Should the 
soil become hard, remove the top and replace with fresh earth. 
Guard strictly against and destroy all insects. If a plant becomes 
infested, never allow it to stand among,clean ones. In the Con, 
fumigate ivith tobacco frequently as a preventive. Aim to water 
all plants just enough andno more. In the ivinter, as a ride, never 
vjater except in the forenoon. Provide plants with stakes when- 
ever they are required. On airing Con. and W. see Oct. 15. 

December 24— Fifty-second Week. 

Pay attention to propagating such plarits as are ivanted large 
or early, or of which stock is scarce. Air the Fernery a little daily, 
remove decayed leaves or flowers, and if ivater is needed apply it 
moderately, without fear of harm. As the different Eupatoriums 
and Stevias pass out of flower, cut down to induce a new growth 
from which to propagate. 



